British Columbia News

1. Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area

   Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working in collaboration with First Nations to advance the designation of the proposed Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area (MPA) to help safeguard this sensitive deepwater marine environment and its unique seafloor features.

2. Government of Canada and coastal First Nations announce progress to protect a large ecologically unique ocean area off the Pacific West Coast

   Today at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard together with the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation and Quatsino First Nation announced progress on the proposed Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area (MPA), a large ecologically unique ocean area located on average 150 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

3. Government of Canada Announces New Elements to Safeguard Marine Protected Areas and to Help Meet Marine Conservation Targets

   The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, will jointly announce new key elements that will help Canada safeguard areas of our oceans that need protection, and that will help us meet the ambitious target of conserving 25 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030.

4. Government of Canada and coastal First Nations announce progress to protect a large unique marine area off the Pacific West Coast

   The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard together with Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop with the Council of the Haida Nation, Chief Jeff Jones with the Pacheedaht First Nation, James Wallas, Elected Councillor with Quatsino First Nation will jointly announce progress on the proposed Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area.

5. The Government of Canada invests in world-class ocean monitoring system to enhance Canada’s ocean protection for the next generation

   Ocean observation science can help save lives, protect our waters and ecosystems, and grow our economy. The Government of Canada is working with the ocean science community to collect and share ocean information and data needed to keep our marine and coastal areas clean and safe for generations.

6. First marine refuge within the Northern Shelf Bioregion is established

   Today at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5), the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Chief John Powell (Winidi) of the Mamalilikulla First Nation, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, announced fisheries closures and the establishment of a marine refuge, to help protect the ecologically and culturally significant area of Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala in Knight Inlet on the coast of British Columbia.

7. Marine Protected Area Network partners endorse plan to protect British Columbia’s North Coast

   The blueprint for a vast network of marine protected areas (MPAs) across the northern third of Canada’s West Coast is being unveiled after more than a decade of work. Today, 15 First Nations, the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia (B.C.) are jointly announcing the endorsement of the Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan (the Action Plan) for the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB).

8. Marine Protected Area Network for the Northern Shelf Bioregion

   Protecting the world’s oceans and marine environment is a shared responsibility. Today’s announcement of the joint endorsement of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Action Plan (the Action Plan) for the Northern Shelf Bioregion (NSB) is an important and vital step in ensuring healthy coastal ecosystems now and into the future.

9. The Government of Canada invests in ocean science for ocean protection

   The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, along with Kate Moran, President and CEO of the University of Victoria’s Ocean Networks Canada will make a funding announcement in support of ocean monitoring.

10. Canada Celebrates the Opening of IMPAC5 – the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress  

    The global ocean is facing mounting pressures from climate change and human activities, resulting in threatened ecosystems and biodiversity loss.

11. First marine refuge within the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala area in Knight Inlet is established

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Chief John Powell (Winidi) of the Mamalilikulla First Nation, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, will announce the establishment of a new marine refuge in the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala area in Knight Inlet on the coast of British Columbia.

12. Marine Protection Network Partners Endorse Network Action Plan at IMPAC5 Congress

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Chief Marilyn Slett of the Heiltsuk Nation, and Dallas Smith, Board President of Nanwakolas Council together with the Honourable Nathan Cullen, BC Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship will jointly announce the completion of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Network Action Plan.

13. Canada Celebrates the Opening of the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress  (IMPAC5)  

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will join the Host First Nations – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) – in welcoming participants to the Fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress (IMPAC5).

14. Government of Canada funds program to address labour shortages and attract newcomers in the Southern Interior of B.C.

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced $485,410 in PacifiCan funding for Community Futures North Okanagan to expand the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot in the Southern Interior of B.C.

15. Government of Canada announces $5.2 million to boost. B.C. clean technology sector

    British Columbia is home to some of the most innovative clean tech companies in the world. By linking up innovators and adopters, this sector will be well-positioned to grow while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling some of the toughest climate-related challenges we face.

16. MP Bains to announce new network to promote collaboration and growth in B.C.’s clean technology sector

    Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will announce a new network to create opportunities in B.C.’s clean technology sector.

17. Statement from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on the Implementation of the subsection 56(1) Exemption from Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:  Personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal substances in British Columbia (January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2026) 

    The Government of Canada and British Columbia announce coming into effect of the province's exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

18. Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia to provide update on implementation of B.C.’s exemption under the  Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

    The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, and the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, British Columbia Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will provide joint remarks on the implementation of B.C.’s exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, coming into effect on January 31, 2023.

19. Government of Canada invests in organic waste conversion systems for rural communities in BC

    Today, Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of nearly $832,000 for Safi Enterprises Inc. under the Research and Innovation Stream of the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program.

20. Government of Canada Helps Protect Canadians with Earthquake Early Warning System

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, along with Bowinn Ma, British Columbia Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, announced that British Columbia is installing up to 50 earthquake early warning sensors in high seismic risk areas. These sensors will connect to the national Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system that will be operational in 2024, supplementing and complementing several hundred sensors already installed by Natural Resources Canada.

21. Government of Canada invests in Canadian innovators developing solutions to improve food safety and plant health

    The Government of Canada is investing in Canadian small businesses to develop innovative tools, products and services that are vital to the keeping Canada's food, plants and animals safe.

22. Parks Canada will make an important announcement about infrastructure funding to provide safer and better visitor experiences at mountain national parks

    Parks Canada will make an important announcement about infrastructure funding to provide safer and better visitor experiences at mountain national parks.

23. Settlement Agreement reached in  Band Class Litigation

    Canada has signed an agreement with the Representative Plaintiffs who represent the 325 bands that have opted into the Band class litigation. Through this settlement, Canada is committed to addressing the collective harm caused by the residential schools system and the loss of language, culture, and heritage.

24. Settlement agreement reached for Band class litigation

    Today, Band class representatives former Chief Shane Gottfriedson and former Chief Garry Feschuk, along with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada has signed an agreement with the Representative Plaintiffs who represent the 325 bands that have opted into the Band class litigation.

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

    The lockdown and exceptional search put in place on January 6, 2023, at the medium-security unit at Mission Institution, ended on January 13, 2023. The institution has resumed its normal operations and visits have resumed.

26. Government of Canada to make an announcement on the Gottfriedson Band Class settlement

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, joined by the Band Class representative plaintiffs, will make an announcement on the Gottfriedson Band Class Settlement.

27. Green renovations to improve Musqueam Elders Centre’s energy efficiency

    Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Warren Sparrow, Chief of Musqueam Indian Band, announced $134,895 in federal funding to increase energy conservation and affordability through a clean building retrofit of the Elders Centre on Musqueam Indian Reserve #2.

28. Government to make an announcement about preventing gun crime and gang violence in Burnaby

    Members of the media are invited to join the Honourable Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on behalf of the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, to make an announcement to prevent gun crime and gang violence across the city of Burnaby.

29. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Musqueam

    Members of the media are invited to attend an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Wayne Sparrow, Chief of Musqueam Indian Band.

30. Seizures of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution

    From January 1 to11, 2023, contraband and unauthorized items were seized during an exceptional search conducted at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

31. Government of Canada Partners with Ocean Wise to Amplify the Voice of Young Professionals at IMPAC5

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will announce a partnership with Ocean Wise that will amplify youth voices at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) which takes place next month in Vancouver. Minister Murray will be joined by representatives from the IMPAC5 Secretariat and Ocean Wise.

32. Backgrounder: Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $3.9 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.9 million in PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast.

33. Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $3.9 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.9 million in PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast.

34. Canada invests in upgrades to Mackenzie’s Recreation Centre

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and Her Worship Joan Atkinson, Mayor of the District of Mackenzie, announced more than $2.9 million in funding to retrofit the Mackenzie Recreation Centre.

35. Canada invests in active transportation in the Township of Langley

    Township of Langley, British Columbia, January 11, 2023 — Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, announced a federal investment of $99,973 to support two active transportation projects in the Township of Langley

36. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Matsqui Institution 

    On December 6, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included three packages of THC, two cell phones, chargers, USB and SIM cards. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $35,000.

37. Information about COVID-19 at Matsqui Institution

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) advises that five inmates at Matsqui 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.

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

    On January 6, 2023, a lockdown was put in place in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

39. End of lockdown and search at Mountain Institution

    The lockdown put in place at Mountain Institution on January 2, 2023, has ended and the exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations and visits have resumed.

40. Canada invests in active transportation in the Fraser Valley

    City of Mission, British Columbia, January 10, 2023 — Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced a federal investment of $99,907 to support two active transportation projects in the Fraser Valley

41. CBSA investigation leads to prison for firearms and drug possession

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping prohibited weapons and restricted firearms out of our communities and ensuring that those who break the laws are held accountable.

42. Seizure of contraband at Matsqui Institution

    On January 4, 2023, correctional officers at Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution, intercepted an inmate who was attempting to bring contraband into the institution. The contraband seized included MDMA, cocaine and methamphetamines/fentanyl. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $10,900.

43. Lockdown and search at Mountain Institution

    On January 2, 2023, a lockdown was put in place at Mountain Institution, a medium security federal institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

44. Government of Canada Releases Final Decision on the Sukunka Coal Mine Project

    The Government of Canada recognizes the mining sector as an important economic driver in Canada. However, mining projects can sometimes have significant adverse environmental effects – effects that matter to Canadians. In these instances, the government must take specific and targeted actions to protect the environment and its wildlife for future generations.

45. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On December 17, 2022, staff at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution, responded to an incident where an inmate was being assaulted. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment.

46. Backgrounder: Canada invests in active transportation on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

    The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.7 million through the Active Transportation Fund to support 9 active transportation infrastructure projects on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.

47. Canada invests in active transportation on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

    Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia, December 20, 2022— Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced a federal investment of more than $1.7 million to support nine active transportation projects on the Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

48. Canada invests in active transportation projects across British Columbia

    City of Vancouver, British Columbia, December 19, 2022—Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced a federal investment of more than $1.3 million to support 27 active transportation planning projects in British Columbia.

49. Backgrounder: Canada invests in active transportation projects across British Columbia

    The Government of Canada is investing $1,300,485 through the Active Transportation Fund to support 27 active transportation infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

50. Canada invests in active transportation in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley

    Mission, British Columbia, December 19, 2022— Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, announced a federal investment of over $1.6 million to support two active transportation projects in British Columbia’sthe Lower MainlandFraser Valley of British Columbia.