British Columbia News

1. The Procurement Ombud’s 2023-24 annual report stresses the need for immediate action

   Federal Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic releases his Annual Report for 2023-24, which was tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos on October 7, 2024.

2. Government of Canada provides $4.7 million in funding for two Richmond-based companies to support growth and create high-quality jobs

   From responsible resource development to advanced automation technologies, British Columbians are developing creative solutions to modern challenges.

3. Minister Sajjan to announce support for innovative businesses in Richmond

   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 help two innovative businesses grow and create high-quality jobs.

4. Canadian Coast Guard to start oil removal operation from historic shipwreck in Grenville Channel, British Columbia

   Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the award of a $4.9 million contract to Resolve Marine to remove oil from historic shipwreck USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski, which sunk in Grenville Channel (northern British Columbia). The Canadian Coast Guard is working closely with Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations and will be on scene to manage the response.

5. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Mission Institution – medium-security unit

   On October 5, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution.

6. The CBSA announces over 60 methamphetamine seizures bound for export to Australia

   The CBSA announced over 60 seizures of methamphetamine in British Columbia destined for export to Australia between March and August 2024.

7. CBSA announces significant meth seizures destined for Australia

   The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) invites members of the media to attend the announcement of multiple significant methamphetamine seizures destined for Australia.

8. A new community services hub is coming to the Sunshine Coast

   The Sunshine Coast is getting a new community services hub to fill a critical social infrastructure gap after an investment of more than $3 million from the federal government.

9. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Matsqui Institution 

   On October 1, 2024, 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.

10. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in District of Sechelt

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia, and Catherine Leach, Executive Director, Sunshine Coast Community Services.

11. Backgrounder: Lower Mainland attractions receive $1.6 million to create memorable cultural experiences and boost Indigenous tourism

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and unique arts and culture experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.

12. Lower Mainland attractions receive $1.6 million to create memorable cultural experiences and boost Indigenous tourism

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and unique arts and culture experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.

13. DigiBC receives $720,000 to boost British Columbia’s creative technology sector

    Over the past 40 years, British Columbia has become a global hub for creative technology, where artistic and design skills come together with technical innovation. This industry in B.C. currently employs more than 16,000 people across 250 companies, and demand for diverse talent is growing rapidly.

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

    On September 24, 2024, Gerald Leslie Dolman, an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre (Pacific Institution), died while in our custody.

15. B.C. aquaculture facility fined $350,000 for operating without a licence

    A Powell River lake-based aquaculture site that cultivates rainbow trout has been fined following a lengthy investigation conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

16. Government of Canada and Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht (the five Nations) Sign Groundbreaking Incremental Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries Resources

    Reconciliation and joint management are essential in the effort to restore salmon populations and create sustainable fisheries. The Government of Canada and the Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht Nations (the five Nations) are committed to working together to advance collaborative governance processes for fisheries resources.

17. Seizure of contraband at Mission Institution medium-security unit

    On September 19, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband was seized at the medium-security unit at Mission Institution.

18. CBSA Pacific Region investigation leads to seizure of firearms and prohibited devices in Vancouver

    CBSA criminal investigators, with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department, executed search warrants on the suspect’s residence in Vancouver.

19. British Columbia farmers get help building more resilient, sustainable practices

    Farmers and ranchers are receiving additional assistance to prepare for, adapt to and lessen the impacts of climate change so they can better protect their farms and livestock and continue growing food for people in British Columbia.

20. The CBSA makes significant liquid methamphetamine seizure bound for export to Australia

    1,278 litres of liquid methamphetamine disguised as fruit juice intercepted by CBSA officers in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia.

21. Assault of staff member at Kent Institution

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

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. 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).

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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.