British Columbia News

1. Assault of staff member at Kent Institution

   On September 1, 2024, a staff member was assaulted at Kent Institution a maximum-security federal institution.

2. Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations reach historic agreement with Canada and British Columbia to support First Nations-led child and family services

   In a historic ceremony held today in Port Hardy, B.C., home of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations, Chief Leslie Walkus of Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw First Nations and Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Council members, alongside the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Grace Lore, B.C. Minister of Children and Family Development, signed a coordination agreement to affirm and restore jurisdiction over children and families. This agreement shows a change in the tide for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw children and families, community, culture and people. This collaborative effort is rooted in the shared understanding that Indigenous children and families should flourish within their communities, surrounded by the embrace of loved ones and the richness of their cultures.

3. Governments of Canada and British Columbia partner to improve contraception and diabetes coverage for residents

   Governments will work together to provide universal access to contraception, diabetes medication, and hormone replacement therapy.

4. Governments of Canada and British Columbia to make an announcement about pharmacare

   The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health and the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health for British Columbia will make an announcement about pharmacare.

5. Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations, Canada, and British Columbia to sign a historic agreement

   Chief Leslie Walkus and Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Council members, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Grace Lore, British Columbia’s Minister of Children and Family Development, will participate in a signing ceremony and celebration of a historic coordination agreement to affirm and restore jurisdiction over children and families to the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

6. Road improvements will support greater connectivity in Greater Victoria region

   Roadworks in the Greater Victoria region will soon make it easier for residents to navigate their community after an investment of $20 million from the federal and provincial governments.

7. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution

   On September 3, 2024, Gregory Narcisse, an inmate from Pacific Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

8. Sts’ailes, Canada and B.C. celebrate coordination agreement to support child and family services

   First Nations children have the inherent right to know who they are, where they come from, and to have a strong connection to their family, lands, cultures, traditions, and languages.

9. Backgrounder: More than $89 million invested in clean economy infrastructure projects across British Columbia

   The federal government is investing more than $29 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support 17 green infrastructure projects across British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia is investing more than $30 million in these projects and local partners are contributing a combined $29.9 million and are responsible for any additional costs.

10. More than $89 million invested in clean economy infrastructure projects across British Columbia

    Communities across the province will benefit from more energy-efficient buildings, clean energy, and better access to clean transportation options after a joint investment of more than $89 million from the federal and provincial governments, and local partners.

11. Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests $3.5 million to drive innovation and economic growth on Vancouver Island

    Amazing things are happening on Vancouver Island, a region known for both its stunning natural attractions and world-class innovations.

12. Government of Canada invests $3.5 million to drive innovation and economic growth on Vancouver Island

    Amazing things are happening on Vancouver Island, a region known for both its stunning natural attractions and world-class innovations.

13. Sts’ailes, Canada, and British Columbia to sign a historic agreement

    Please be advised that Sts’ailes Siyam Leadership of Sts’ailes, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Grace Lore, British Columbia’s Minister of Children and Family Development, will participate in a signing ceremony and celebration of a historic coordination agreement to affirm and restore jurisdiction over children and families to Sts’ailes.

14. Government of Canada to announce support for innovative organizations and dynamic tourist attractions on Vancouver Island

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) will announce funding to advance regional innovation and drive economic growth in B.C.

15. The Government of Canada takes action to conserve salmon populations impacted by the Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin) River landslide

    Chilcotin Region, British Columbia – On July 30, a significant landslide occurred in the lower Chilcotin River, a major tributary to the Fraser River, and severely disrupted the river habitat, blocking upstream migration of adult Chinook and Sockeye salmon, and degrading water quality.

16. CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport seize 25 kg of methamphetamine concealed in suitcases

    On two separate occasions in July, CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport seized a combined 24.84 kg of methamphetamine concealed in passenger suitcases destined for Sydney, Australia. At the time of this seizure, the street value of the methamphetamine was estimated at $1.25 million.

17. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On August 21, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

18. Government of Canada invests in culverts along Alaska Highway

    Public Services and Procurement Canada is committed to protecting the safety of Canadians through ongoing investments and mitigating risks to our infrastructure as a result of climate change.

19. Backgrounder: Water infrastructure upgrades across British Columbia 

    The federal government is investing more than $3 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support four water infrastructure projects across British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia is investing more than $2.5 million in these projects and municipal partners are contributing a combined $2 million and are responsible for any additional costs.

20. Backgrounder: Water infrastructure upgrades across British Columbia 

    The federal government is investing more than $3 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support four water infrastructure projects across British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia is investing more than $2.5 million in these projects and municipal partners are contributing a combined $2 million and are responsible for any additional costs.

21. Water infrastructure upgrades across British Columbia

    Four communities across the province are receiving upgrades to their water infrastructure after a combined investment of more than $7.6 million from the federal and provincial governments, and municipal partners.

22. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nuxalk Nation, and Ingenium collaborate to create new Snootli Creek Hatchery Welcome Centre marking the completion of a $20 million hatchery rebuild

    On August 22, 2024, the new Welcome Centre at Snootli Creek Hatchery will officially open.

23. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Richmond

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Wilson Miao, Member of Parliament for Richmond Centre, the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and His Worship, Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of the City of Richmond.

24. Government of Canada and Gitanyow Nation partner on new Community Economic Development hatchery to support Pacific salmon 

    Pacific salmon are under threat due to climate change, habitat degradation and other pressures. In British Columbia, some endangered and at-risk populations have dropped dramatically and could be at risk of disappearing completely. Hatcheries, which incubate, rear and release Pacific salmon to live alongside their wild counterparts, are a key component in supporting and restoring these vulnerable populations.

25. British Columbia film company and drone operator fined $30,000 for unlawful use of a drone to capture Killer Whale footage 

    Port Hardy, British Columbia - An investigation by fishery officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Whale Protection Unit, Fraser Coastal Detachment, has resulted in a hefty fine for Vancouver-based River Road Films Ltd. and their drone operator for operating a drone too close to Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKWs).

26. Canadian Coast Guard celebrates the launch of the new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel

    The Canadian Coast Guard serves Canadians every day by saving lives, protecting the environment, and supporting the safe movement of goods in our waterways. The renewal of its fleet ensures Canadian Coast Guard personnel can continue to carry out their important work for years to come, while supporting innovation and creating new shipbuilding jobs from coast to coast to coast.

27. Government of Canada invests to support skilled trades workers in British Columbia

    Today, the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced a total of $16,363,288 for 25 projects across British Columbia. These projects are funded through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) – Investments in Training Equipment Stream.

28. Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam to establish joint flood mitigation program

    Communities in the Lower Mainland are coming together to complete flood improvements along the confluence of the lower Coquitlam River and the Fraser River after a joint investment of more than $19.9 million from the federal and provincial governments, Kwikwetlem First Nation, and Coquitlam.

29. Government of Canada to make an announcement on skilled trades

    The Minister of Citizens’ Services, Terry Beech, will be in Burnaby to make an announcement to support skilled trades workers. The announcement is being made on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault.

30. University of British Columbia receives over $8.8 million to drive innovation in life sciences and food processing

    British Columbia is home to the talent that is developing industry-leading products. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting collaboration between industry and academia, bringing more B.C.-made products to global markets.

31. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Coquitlam

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam, Rick Glumac, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Port Moody – Coquitlam, John Peters, Councillor, Kwikwetlem First Nation, and Richard Stewart, Mayor of the City of Coquitlam.

32. Active transportation investments across British Columbia

    Six communities in British Columbia will have more active ways for residents to commute after an investment of over $19 million from the federal government, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), Community Foundations of Canada, Matsqui First Nation, BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society, the District of Peachland, and the City of Vancouver.

33. Federal government partners with T’Sou-ke First Nation to support community resilience and well-being

    The T’Sou-ke First Nation is developing a new hybrid stormwater management system and naturalized green space, after a joint investment of more than $1.3 million from the federal government and the community.

34. Commercial halibut vessel master fined $33,596 for fishing illegally in a Glass Sponge Reef Marine Protected Area near Bella Bella, B.C.

    Vancouver, B.C, - On May 24, 2024, the Honourable Judge Roy Dickey fined Brent Belveal, owner and operator of the commercial Halibut fishing vessel Gypsy Soul, a total of $33,596 for offences under Canada’s Fisheries Act. Mr. Belveal pleaded guilty to fishing inside of the Hecate Strait Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reef Marine Protected Area (MPA) near Bella Bella, B.C., and for selling his illegal catch.

35. Government of Canada provides over $1.6 million to spur innovation and economic growth in Kamloops

    Exciting things are happening in Kamloops and the Central Interior. From food to forestry, local innovators are coming together to build a strong economy for the region. PacifiCan shares this ambition for growth and is committed to partnering with community leaders across British Columbia to realize their vision, create quality jobs, and promote regional prosperity.

36. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Mountain Institution

    On July 26, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

37. Backgrounder: Government of Canada provides over $1.6 million to spur innovation and economic growth in Kamloops

    Exciting things are happening in Kamloops and the Central Interior. From food to forestry, local innovators are coming together to build a strong economy for the region. PacifiCan shares this ambition for growth and is committed to partnering with community leaders across British Columbia to realize their vision, create quality jobs, and promote regional prosperity.

38. Highway 1 improvements will support and advance RapidBus implementation on Vancouver Island

    Highway improvements coming to the West Shore communities will help provide faster public transit services for people commuting in southern Vancouver Island after a joint investment of $95 million from the federal and provincial governments.

39. Canadian Coast Guard Issues $13,500 Fine for a Hazardous Vessel

    Wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous boats can pose threats to the environment, local communities, and economies. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada continues to take action to address problem vessels and ensure owner accountability.

40. Death of an inmate from Kent Institution

    On July 18, 2024, Dennis James Harley, an inmate from Kent Institution, died while in our custody.

41. Advancing collaboration of historic Haida Nation Recognition Act and Indigenous-led conservation

    This week, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Council of the Haida Nation, met with federal ministers and Haida leadership to discuss matters of shared importance.

42. Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with British Columbia

    Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. The Government of Canada recognizes that concerted and collaborative efforts by federal, provincial, and territorial governments are needed to improve health care for Canadians, including through better supporting health workers and ensuring access to medications for all.

43. Drugs for Rare Diseases – British Columbia Agreement

    The Governments of Canada and British Columbia (BC) signed the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases (DRD) agreement to invest a total amount of $194 million over three years to improve access to new drugs for rare diseases for its residents and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases.

44. Personal Support Worker Amendment – British Columbia Agreement

    The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia signed an amendment to the Aging with Dignity Agreement, providing British Columbia access more than $232 million in new funding to support Personal Support Workers (PSWs), also referred to as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in BC. This funding is being provided over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29), extending the existing Aging with Dignity (AWD) Agreement by one year.

45. K’ómoks First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia take important step to advance reconciliation by initialling the draft K’ómoks Treaty

    Today, Elected Chief Ken Price of the K’ómoks First Nation (K’ómoks); the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, marked a significant milestone towards renewing their nation-to-nation relationships.

46. Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society receives $250,000 to expand the Honda Celebration of Light

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $250,000 in PacifiCan funding for the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

47. The City of Prince George receives $150,000 to help develop a regional hydrogen hub

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) announced $150,000 in PacifiCan funding for the City of Prince George to support the development of a regional hydrogen hub for Central and Northern B.C.

48. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On July 15, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

49. Death of an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre (Pacific Institution)

    On July 13, 2024, Eugene Raymond Benoit, an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre (Pacific Institution), died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

50. Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs and Canada sign Funding Agreement to restore self-government on ancestral lands

    The Gitanyow Nation, as represented by the Simgigyet’m Gitanyow (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs) and the Government of Canada recently signed a Funding Agreement, marking a significant step forward in restoring Gitanyow’s inherent right of self-government.