British Columbia News

1. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution 

   On April 13, 2021, Brodie Patrick Bingley, an inmate from Pacific Institution died while in our custody.

2. Following RCMP and DFO enforcement, Court orders heavy fines, forfeitures, and fees in excess of $70,000, plus significant fishing prohibitions, for 3 American recreational anglers

   On February 24, 2021, Washington State residents Bradley Wogalmott, Geoffrey Hoover, and Jonathan Magee, plead guilty in Campbell River Provincial Court to numerous violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act. The Honourable Judge Crockett ordered significant penalties for the three men.

3. Obstructing DFO fishery officers from carrying out their duties is illegal, and results in over $110,000 in fines for a Richmond seafood processing company, its co-owner, and a supplier

   On March 4, 2021, a serious case of obstruction of DFO fishery officers in the performance of their duties concluded in Richmond Provincial Court. The Honourable Judge Bonnie Craig found Tenshi Seafood Limited, and its co-owner, Dishi Liu, guilty of violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

4. Government of Canada announces $16.5 million to support harm reduction and people who use substances in British Columbia

   Today, Ken Hardie, M.P., on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced nearly $16.5 million in funding for 11 projects to help support communities in British Columbia in their efforts to address and prevent substance use-related harms.

5. Supporting projects to help address and prevent substance use-related harms in British Columbia

   The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada as they work to respond to the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes nearly $16.5 million in funding for 11 projects being carried out in British Columbia.

6. Government of Canada to announce funding for projects to help support people who use substances in British Columbia

   Ken Hardie, Member of Parliament, on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, along with the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, British Columbia’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will announce federal funding for eleven projects that help address and prevent substance use-related harms in British Columbia.

7. Government of Canada supports the official launch of the United Way’s Healthy Aging CORE resource hub 

   While the pandemic has been hard on everyone, it has been hardest on seniors. Seniors helped build the country we know and love today, and the Government of Canada is committed to helping reduce their social isolation.

8. Government of Canada announces over $5M in clean tech funding for British Columbia Fisheries and Aquaculture Projects

   Today, the Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Terry Beech, on behalf of the Minister, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, announced funding of over $5.4 million from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program to support 36 projects that are contributing to clean economic growth in British Columbia. The Province of British Columbia also announced a contribution of more than $785,000 in funding towards these projects.

9. FACTAP funding for projects in British Columbia

   The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technologies Adoption Program is a federal initiative encouraging the adoption of green technologies in the fishing and aquaculture industry. The program provides $20 million over four years to help businesses adopt new, clean technologies into their operations.

10. Complete cellular connectivity coming to “Highway of Tears”

    Thanks to federal and provincial investments, Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Prince George will soon have cellular coverage along the entire route, fulfilling a critical recommendation to make the highway safer.

11. New Mass Timber Office Building Coming to Downtown Vancouver

    Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $900,000 investment to support the design and construction of oN5, a four-storey mass timber office building, to become the new home of Equilibrium Consulting.

12. Parliamentary Secretary Beech and Parliamentary Secretary Donnelly to provide an update regarding the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

    Vancouver, B.C. – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, Terry Beech with Fin Donnelly, British Columbia Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture, will make an announcement on investments in several projects through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP).

13. New Multi-Use Airport Hangar Debuts Innovative Wood Design in Canada

    The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced an $800,000 investment to KF Aerospace, to build a multi-use airport hangar that will showcase a highly innovative and unique application of wood in its construction.

14. Canada and British Columbia invest in public transit infrastructure to improve capacity, safety, and service in Greater Victoria

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced funding for two public transit projects in Greater Victoria. Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO of BC Transit; Fred Haynes, Mayor of the District of Saanich and member of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission; Kevin Hall, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria and Emily Lowan, Director of Campaigns & Community Relations of the University of Victoria Students' Society also participated in the virtual announcement.

15. Media Advisory - Victoria, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to join an important public transit infrastructure announcement.

16. Government of Canada takes further action to address marine pollution from the MV Schiedyk shipwreck in British Columbia

    When the Government of Canada launched the Oceans Protection Plan, a primary objective was to address wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels across Canada. Three years later, the Government remains committed to protecting Canada’s oceans and waterways by removing these vessels in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.

17. BC Bus North service continues with joint Federal and Provincial support

    A one-year extension to the BC Bus North service was announced today, meaning people who live and work in northern British Columbia can continue to rely on inter-city bus service. This service has become a crucial lifeline in the region as other transportation options have been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

18. About contaminants research funding

    On March 29, 2021, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced $1,185,144 in funding for three contaminants research projects that will take place on the West Coast. Information about these projects including recipients, objectives, and funding amounts can be found in the table below.

19. Court orders heavy penalties and the forfeiture of a sailboat and gear for rockfish harvesters exceeding catch limits, violating Canada’s Fisheries Act Regulations

    On February 23, 2021, Niu Shu and Chuck Fung pleaded guilty in Sechelt Provincial Court to several significant recreational rockfish and lingcod fishing violations near Egmont, B.C.

20. Negative impact of illegally setting nets in closed area results in significant penalty for Campbell River herring harvester

    On September 10, 2020 in Campbell River Provincial Court, the Honourable Judge Crockett found Mr. Josh Duncan, the vessel master of the commercial herring seine vessel Western King, guilty of violations of the Fisheries Act. The Court ordered Mr. Duncan to pay a total fine of $11,607.60.

21. Fisheries in British Columbia get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

    WD funding is helping keep workers safe and food fresh in fish and seafood processing companies throughout British Columbia.

22. Canada and British Columbia invest to refurbish the West Coast Express commuter train

    The safety and well-being of Canadians are top priorities of the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Investments in public transit during this extraordinary time help support regional economies, and make our communities more inclusive and resilient.

23. Media Advisory - Vancouver, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to join an important public transit infrastructure event regarding the West Coast Express commuter trainannouncement.

24. The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Announces Support for British Columbia’s Fish and Seafood Processors

    The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada will announce support for fish and seafood processors in British Columbia.

25. Government of Canada supports recovery and growth of women-led businesses across British Columbia amid COVID-19 pandemic

    Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government announced over $1.4 million in top-up funding for six Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund recipients in British Columbia to support women entrepreneurs as they navigate this crisis and continue to grow their businesses.

26. Government of Canada supports recovery and growth of women-led businesses across British Columbia

    Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government announced over $1.4 million in top-up funding for six Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund recipients in British Columbia to support women entrepreneurs as they navigate this crisis and continue to grow their businesses.

27. Canada Invests in Cutting-Edge Indigenous Geothermal Electricity Production Facility 

    Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced nearly $40.5 million in federal investments for the Clarke Lake Geothermal Development Project, a wholly owned and Indigenous-led project that will develop one of the first commercially viable geothermal electricity production facilities in Canada.

28. Canada and British Columbia invest in innovative green infrastructure projects

    The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable George Heyman, B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, announced funding for the construction of a new Passive House certified building in Castlegar, to serve as a Hub of Tourism and Economic Development, and for the construction of a Biomass Energy Centre in the District of Sicamous.

29. Minister O’Regan to Make Cutting-Edge Renewable Energy Announcement

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, will make a cutting-edge renewable energy announcement.

30. Minister Murray announces support for women-led businesses across British Columbia

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government is celebrating International Women’s Week by virtually delivering remarks at the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Kelowna to announce support for women-led businesses with additional investments through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund.

31. Government of Canada contribution strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in quantum computing

    Quantum computing is a transformative technology in which Canadian researchers, businesses and workers have developed a leading global advantage. This technology will have a significant impact on the daily lives of Canadians and will be a driver of economic growth and good jobs. This is why the Government of Canada has identified it as a strategic opportunity for the country and is increasing its support to the sector.

32. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution 

    On February 24, 2021, at about 8:00 p.m., as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Kent Institution, a federal maximum security institution.

33. Continued flight in poor weather claimed four lives in 2019 floatplane crash on Addenbroke Island, BC

    In its investigation report (A19P0112) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found that the decision to continue flying in poor weather led to the fatal July 2019 controlled flight into terrain occurrence on Addenbroke Island, British Columbia (BC).

34. Cascadia Seaweed’s new technology strengthens food security, safety

    British Columbia businesses are strengthening food security and food safety by adopting new traceability technology with funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

35. Government of Canada invests in training to help Canadians in Burnaby, British Columbia, become certified in skilled trades

    In order to help maintain a robust workforce and better position our country for a strong economic recovery, the Government of Canada is investing in the skilled trades to ensure that Canadians have the training they need to access good, well-paying jobs. The government is making targeted investments, so that key groups facing barriers—like women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians—can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.

36. MP Terry Beech to announce funding through Union Training and Innovation Program in Burnaby, British Columbia

    Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will announce Union Training and Innovation Program funding to help Canadians become certified in skilled trades.

37. Canada and British Columbia invest in two energy efficient infrastructure projects

    The safety and well-being of Canadians are top priorities of the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Investments in green infrastructure during this extraordinary time provide an opportunity to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and make our communities cleaner, more inclusive and more resilient.

38. Search the Emergency Processing Fund projects in British Columbia

    The Emergency Processing Fund (EPF) provides funding to help companies implement changes to safeguard the health and safety of workers and their families due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

39. Government of Canada invests $16.9 million to improve worker safety and strengthen the food supply chain in British Columbia

    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian food producers and processors have stepped up to deliver quality food for Canadians. From the outset, the Government of Canada has helped food processors invest in safety measures and maintain their capacity to keep up with demand.

40. Government of Canada to highlight investments to improve the safety of agri-food workers in British Columbia

    The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Delta, along with Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, will highlight investments under the Emergency Processing Fund to improve the safety of agri-food workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

41. New Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming to Metro Vancouver

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a more than $119,000 investment to install 34 Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at six sites in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia.

42. Canada Raises Awareness on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $46,000 in funding to the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) to promote the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), such as short refuelling times that make them a great option for industries like busing and trucking.

43. Showcasing Innovative Wood Construction in Vancouver 

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $648,250 for Fast + Epp, a structural engineering firm from Vancouver, toward the construction of their head office, a four-storey, hybrid, mass timber and steel building.

44. Minister Murray to Make a Forestry Related Announcement 

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, will make a forestry related announcement in downtown Vancouver.

45. Breaking a Court-Ordered prohibition against fishing leads to additional fines and penalties for BC interior recreational fisher

    On December 21, 2020, Frederick Stanley Kent was found guilty in Salmon Arm Provincial Court for fishing while prohibited by a Court Order. The Honourable Justice Leven also found Mr. Kent guilty of unlawful possession of fish. He was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, forfeit his fishing equipment, and issued a further 5-year fishing prohibition.

46. Canada and British Columbia invest in improved BC Transit bus shelters in communities throughout the province

    British Columbians need safe, accessible and reliable public transit to get to work and home, to attend appointments, shop for essentials, and conduct business. Strategic investments in public transportation infrastructure play a key role in delivering this service.

47. Ten British Columbia communities receive support for stronger asset management practices

    As we continue to adapt to the new physical, social and economic realities presented by COVID-19, all orders of government are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of Canadians. This includes providing local communities with tools and support for evidence-based decision-making that will help them plan a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for everyone.

48. Canada, British Columbia and Tlowitsis Nation Advance to Final Stage of Treaty Negotiations

    The governments of Canada, British Columbia and the Tlowitsis Nation have signed a new agreement that will further advance reconciliation and treaty negotiations.

49. Media Advisory - Victoria, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to join an important infrastructure event regarding phase two of the BC Transit Bus Shelters project.

50. Government of Canada releases 2020-21 Pacific Herring Integrated Fisheries Management Plan

    Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has released the 2020-21 Pacific Herring Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP). The IFMP is developed in the fall of each year and describes the scientific results and proposed management measures for the upcoming season, including gear allocations, open areas and harvest levels. Prior to the release, a 30-day public consultation period was held to ensure that DFO’s fishery management decisions are transparent, developed through the best available science, and informed by First Nations groups, commercial harvesters and input from the public.