British Columbia News

1. Library and Archives Canada supports British Columbia communities  in preserving their documentary heritage

   Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will fund seven projects submitted by local organizations in British Columbia under the Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP).

2. Governments of Canada and British Columbia to make an important announcement about high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity

   The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, together with the Honourable Lisa Beare, British Columbia Minister of Citizens' Services, will make an announcement about improving high-speed Internet access and mobile connectivity.

3. Assault of an inmate at Kent institution

   On May 3, 2022, an inmate was assaulted at Kent Institution, a maximum security federal institution. Staff responded quickly to resolve the incident. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment. The inmate has since returned to the institution.

4. Celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the Nisg̱a'a Treaty

   The governments of Canada, British Columbia and the Nisg̱a'a Nation are commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the signing of British Columbia's first modern Treaty, the Nisg̱a'a Final Agreement.

5. Canadian Coast Guard opens seasonal inshore rescue boat stations in B.C.

   The Canadian Coast Guard’s seasonally-operated Inshore Rescue Boat stations in British Columbia will re-open this year on May 20, 2022.

6. More support coming for B.C. farmers' markets

   Additional federal-provincial funding is coming to the BC Farmers' Market Expansion Program, further supporting the province's local farmers' markets and vendors.

7. Milestone reached in newly funded child care spaces for British Columbia families

   Child care is not just a social policy—it is an economic policy, too. Access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care will grow our economy, allow more women to enter the workforce and help give every Canadian child the best start in life. While cutting child care fees is important, it is just one part of the equation. That is why the governments of Canada and British Columbia have been working together to increase the number of licensed child care spaces available in the province.

8. Government of Canada invests in British Columbia’s growing clean technology sector

   British Columbians have felt the impact of climate change and climate disasters first hand. Investing in clean technology reduces emissions, protects the environment and supports the economy. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to supporting British Columbia’s growing clean tech industry.

9. Government of Canada to announce funding that supports the growing clean tech ecosystem in British Columbia

   The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will provide details on funding that helps local businesses enhance Canada’s competitiveness and build a green economy.

10. Assault of an inmate at Kent institution

    On April 27, 2022, at about 5:20 p.m., an inmate was assaulted at Kent Institution, a maximum security federal institution. Staff responded quickly to resolve the incident. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment.

11. Seizures of contraband at Mountain Institution

    From March 24 to 31, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, packages containing contraband were seized on the perimeter and from incoming mail at Mountain institution, a medium-security federal institution.

12. Tsawwassen First Nation and Canada reach land claim settlement agreement

    Chief Ken Baird and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that the Tsawwassen First Nation and the Government of Canada have concluded negotiations and reached a settlement agreement of the English Bluff Specific Claim.

13. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia make a significant investment in salmon research and restoration projects

    Vancouver, BC – The regeneration of wild Pacific salmon populations is fundamental to rebuilding a healthy ocean ecosystem. Wild Pacific salmon are also vitally important for food and cultural purposes, of many Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia. This is why protecting wild salmon stocks and their habitat is a priority for both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

14. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia make a significant investment in salmon research and restoration projects

    Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia make a significant investment in salmon research and restoration projects

15. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia make a significant investment in salmon research and restoration projects

    Vancouver, British Columbia – The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will be joined by Fin Donnelly, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Government of British Columbia, to make an announcement regarding investments for salmon research and habitat restoration projects under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

16. Information about COVID-19 at William Head Institution

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) advises that six inmates at William Head Institution, in British Columbia, have tested positive for COVID-19. The health and safety of our employees, inmates, and the public continue to be our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize spread of the virus within the institution.

17. Government of Canada invests over $5 million to bring high-speed Internet to over 3,300 households in British Columbia

    Rural British Columbians to benefit from increased connectivity to high-speed Internet

18. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Matsqui Institution 

    On March 29, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Matsqui Institution, a medium security federal institution.

19. Information about COVID-19 at Mountain Institution

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) advises that 59 inmates at Mountain Institution, in British Columbia, have tested positive for COVID-19. The health and safety of our employees, inmates, and the public continue to be our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize spread of the virus within the institution.

20. Government of Canada to make an important announcement about high-speed Internet

    Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, will announce an investment to improve high-speed Internet access in British Columbia. A media availability will follow.

21. Death of an inmate from Mission Institution

    On April 14, 2022, Roger Mathurin, an inmate from Mission Institution died while in our custody.

22. Minister Qualtrough highlights investments to support the skilled trades in Budget 2022

    Through Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable, the Government of Canada makes targeted and responsible investments to create good jobs, grow our economy, and build a Canada where nobody gets left behind.

23. Minister Sajjan to highlight the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating good, middle class jobs

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will provide details on how Budget 2022 will help create good, middle class jobs.

24. Minister Qualtrough to announce Budget 2022 investments to support workers in the skilled trades

    Minister Qualtrough to announce Budget 2022 investments to support workers in the skilled trades

25. Minister Qualtrough highlights investments for accessible housing in Budget 2022

    Through Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable, the government of Canada makes targeted and responsible investments to create good jobs, grow our economy, and build a Canada where nobody gets left behind.

26. Minister Hutchings highlights housing investments in Budget 2022 that will benefit Albertans

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, highlighted the housing investments and measures proposed in Budget 2022, including introducing the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, doubling the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to $10,000, supporting rent-to-own projects and prohibiting foreign investment in residential real estate to avoid driving up housing costs in Canada.

27. Minister Sajjan to highlight the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating good, middle class jobs

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) will provide details on how Budget 2022 will help create good, middle class jobs.

28. Minister Qualtrough highlights Clean Air investments in Budget 2022

    Through Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable, the government of Canada makes targeted and responsible investments to create good jobs, grow our economy, and build a Canada where nobody gets left behind.

29. Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

    Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $110.3 million in joint federal-provincial funding for 57 community, recreation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

30. Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

    The Government of Canada is investing over $56.8 million towards these projects through the Community Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream, the Green Infrastructure Stream, and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is contributing over $53.4 million. Recipients are contributing over $27.1 million to these projects.

31. Minister Sajjan to highlight the Government of Canada’s commitment to a clean economy

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister responsible for PacifiCan, will provide details on how Budget 2022 will help Canadians and Canadian businesses benefit from the global transition to a clean economy.

32. Media Advisory - Richmond, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to attend an important infrastructure announcement.

33. The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan outlines his vision for PacifiCan and announces $11.8 million in federal support for local innovators

    As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Surrey plays an important role in British Columbia’s economic development and post-pandemic recovery.

34. Canada and the Skeetchestn Indian Band move forward on the construction of a traditional pit home and museum facility

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and Kukpi7 (Chief) Darrel Draney of the Skeetchestn Indian Band announced $825,000 in funding to support the construction of a traditional pit home and museum facility

35. Canada and the Northern Secwepemc First Nations make progress on the construction of a new cultural centre  

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society announced $4 million in funding, provided through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program, for the construction of a cultural centre and museum

36. Minister Sajjan to address Surrey Board of Trade and announce funding to support Surrey’s innovation ecosystem

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) will address the Surrey Board of Trade. He will share his vision for how PacifiCan will work with British Columbians and provide details on new funding to support Surrey’s innovation ecosystem.

37. Canada and the Skeetchestn Indian Band to make an announcement on support for two new cultural spaces

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Kukpi7 (Chief) Darrel Draney of the Skeetchestn Indian Band will make an announcement on support for the construction of two new cultural spaces for the Skeetchestn Indian Band.

38. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution

    On March 27, 2022, Roy Dalen, an inmate from Pacific Institution, died while in our custody.

39. Canada and the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society will make an announcement on support for a new cultural centre

    Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society will announce support for the construction of a new cultural centre.

40. MP Patrick Weiler to Make an Emergency Preparedness Announcement 

    OTTAWA — Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources; along with Jennifer Rice, British Columbia Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness; and Mark Collins, President and CEO of BC Ferries, will make an announcement related to the Earthquake Early Warning system.A media availability will follow. All attendees are asked to adhere to local health guidelines.

41. Seizure of unauthorized items at Kent Institution  

    On March 15, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, unauthorized items were seized at Kent Institution, a maximum security federal institution.

42. End of lockdown and search at Mission Institution – Medium security unit

    The lockdown put in place at the medium security unit of Mission Institution on March 8, 2022, has ended and an exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations.

43. Government of Canada to announce funding to support physical activity for newcomers arriving to Canada

    Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, will announce funding for a project that supports increased physical activity and healthy living for immigrant populations in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax.

44. Minister Blair visits flood-impacted areas in B.C., including Abbotsford and Merritt, to reaffirm commitment to help the province prepare, respond and recover from emergencies

    The Government of Canada continues to be there for British Columbians as they recover from the flooding and extreme weather events that devastated the province last November.

45. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution 

    On March 4, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Kent Institution, a maximum security federal institution.

46. Government of Canada announces Tourism Relief Fund support to the Fraser River Discovery Centre Society

    COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Canada’s tourism sector as travel restrictions, both domestically and internationally, reduced visits to attractions across the country. That is why the Government of Canada created the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to support tourism businesses and organizations in meeting public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.

47. Lockdown and search at Mission Institution – Medium security unit

    On March 8, 2022, a lockdown was put in place in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

48. Major upgrades coming to Brentwood Town Centre Station in Burnaby, B.C.

    Today, Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO, and Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby announced funding for major upgrades to the Brentwood SkyTrain Station.

49. Government of Canada to announce funding to improve tourism and access to Indigenous exhibits

    The Honourable Randy Boissonault Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada will provide details on funding to support the post-COVID recovery of tourism facilities in British Columbia.

50. Canada and Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation settle specific claim related to loss of reserve land

    Today, Chief Georgina Livingstone and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation and the Government of Canada have reached an agreement to settle Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation Unlawful Cut-Off of 22.5 Acres from IR No. 1 specific claim.