British Columbia News

1. CBSA officers in Metro Vancouver seize nearly 200 kg of opium concealed in shipping containers

   CBSA officers from Metro Vancouver District seized 196 kg of opium concealed within inbound shipping containers.

2. Northern British Columbia communities receive over $1.2 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

   Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

3. Backgrounder: Northern British Columbia communities receive over $1.2 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

   Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

4. Backgrounder: Southern Interior communities receive over $4.7 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

   British Columbia’s Southern Interior communities are welcoming residents and visitors to new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences that stimulate the local economy and enhance community wellbeing.

5. Southern Interior communities receive over $4.7 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

   British Columbia’s Southern Interior communities are welcoming residents and visitors to new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences that stimulate the local economy and enhance community wellbeing.

6. The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in transit improvements in Colwood and View Royal

   Today, Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Transit, announced a joint investment of more than $13.2 million to support transit improvements along the Old Island Highway in Colwood and View Royal.

7. Backgrounder: Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $2.6 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

   Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

8. Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $2.6 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

   Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

9. Boundary Bay commercial crab fleet investigations lead to major fines, forfeitures, and one fishing prohibition

   Recent investigations by fishery officers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) into the Boundary Bay commercial crab fleet have resulted in several convictions in Surrey Provincial Court. Four vessel masters received fines and forfeitures totalling over $287,000. One captain also received a first-ever fishing prohibition.

10. Government of Canada invests in capacity for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in British Columbia

    Avian influenza continues to be a significant threat to poultry production in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to reinforcing the sector's capacity to respond to disease outbreaks in the future.

11. Statement from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

    Amendment request granted to British Columbia for the subsection 56(1) exemption from Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Law enforcement in B.C. will have the authority to seize drugs, and arrest or charge for personal possession of under 2.5 grams in certain locations frequented by children and youth

12. Canada apologizes to the Williams Lake First Nation for the historical wrongs related to the Village Site Specific Claim

    Today, Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, gathered in Williams Lake, where the Minister delivered an apology on behalf of Canada to the First Nation for the harms suffered as a result of the unlawful and wrongful actions that separated the First Nation from their village lands.

13. Public Apology from the Government of Canada Related to the Williams Lake First Nation Village Claim

    “The Government of Canada accepts responsibility for this historic injustice and expresses its deep regret and sincere apology to the First Nation for the harms suffered. This apology and negotiated settlement is a step toward a renewed relationship with the community, and one that was necessary in order for Canada to be an honest and accountable Treaty partner. Thank you to Chief Sellars and all those who made this historic day possible.”The Honourable Gary AnandasangareeMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

14. Canada apologizes to Williams Lake First Nation for historic wrongs related to the Village Site Specific Claim

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, will deliver an official apology to Williams Lake First Nation and Chief Willie Sellars for historical wrongs related to their village site.

15. Death of an inmate from William Head Institution

    On September 2, 2023, Richard Paul Preston, an inmate from William Head Institution, died while in our custody.

16. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution

    On August 24, 2023, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

17. The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in the Montrose Exchange in Abbotsford

    Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer announced a joint investment of more than $8.4 million to support upgrades to the Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange in the City of Abbotsford.

18. Richmond Olympic Oval receives $750,000 to create a new outdoor event space in Richmond, B.C.

    Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout Richmond, communities are welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy new and improved public spaces.

19. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution

    On August 24, 2023, Clifford Maltby, an inmate from Pacific Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

20. Canada welcomes international leaders to Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility 

    As the world experiences the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Canada is once again bringing leaders together to take action and build a healthy future for people everywhere.

21. CBSA Pacific Region firearms investigation leads to criminal charges

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping our communities safe. Today, the Agency announced that it has laid charges for Criminal Code and Customs Act offences against a US traveller following a firearms seizure at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon port of entry in British Columbia.

22. End of lockdown and search at Mission Institution – Medium security Unit

    The lockdown put in place at the medium security unit at Mission Institution on August 15, 2023, has ended and the exceptional search has been completed. On August 19, 2023, the institution resumed its normal operations, including visits.

23. ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation and Canada reach settlement agreement on Elkhorn Ranch Specific Claim

    Today, the ʔAkisq̓nuk Chief and Council and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement regarding the ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation’s Elkhorn Ranch Specific Claim.

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

    On August 15, 2023, a lockdown was put in place in the medium security unit at Mission Institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

25. Canadians can now view their Social Insurance Number online

    Service Canada has been working diligently to deliver high-quality, simple, easy-to-access and secure services to Canadians, no matter where they live. As technology advances and clients’ service delivery expectations change, the Government of Canada is taking steps to further modernize its delivery methods and available services.

26. Media Advisory: Media Scrum Opportunity in Burnaby, B.C.

    Following a SkyTrain ride, members of the media are invited to a media scrum with the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, His Worship Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam, and Kevin Quinn, Chief of Executive Operations for TransLink.

27. Five Greater Vancouver organizations receive support from Veterans Affairs Canada 

    Five organizations in the greater Vancouver area will receive a combined $1.45 million in support from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to support mental health and wellness projects for Veterans and their families.

28. Government of Canada supports Indigenous aerospace company and competitive aerospace sector in British Columbia

    British Columbia has a vibrant aerospace sector that provides good jobs and drives economic growth. The Government of Canada has committed to helping this sector maintain that vibrancy as it builds for the future.

29. Minister Petitpas Taylor to make an important announcement regarding support for Veterans in Surrey

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will make an important announcement regarding support for five Veterans’ organizations.

30. Minister Petitpas Taylor to unveil 2023 Veterans’ Week Poster honouring 75 years of United Nations Peacekeeping

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will participate in the 31st annual Peacekeepers Memorial Day event at Memorial Park in Esquimalt, BC, to unveil the 2023 Veterans’ Week poster.

31. Government of Canada to announce supports to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for Indigenous communities

    The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, will announce funding to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health services and reduce barriers to care for Indigenous people in Canada.

32. The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in water infrastructure improvements on Bowen Island

    Today Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and His Worship Andrew Leonard, Mayor of Bowen Island, announced a joint investment of more than $2.1 million to improve drinking water infrastructure on Bowen Island.

33. Canada, British Columbia help farmers with climate adaptation, drought

    British Columbia (B.C.) farmers and ranchers can better prepare for and mitigate impacts of climate change, while continuing to support the province’s food security and a sustainable environment through funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

34. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Bowen Island 

    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, Susie Chant, Member of the Legislative Assembly for North Vancouver—Seymour, and His Worship Andrew Leonard, Mayor of Bowen Island.

35. Death of an inmate from Mountain Institution

    On July 31, 2023, an inmate from Mountain Institution died while in our custody. The individual’s name has been anonymized to comply with a court-ordered publication ban to protect the identity of the victim.

36. Backgrounder: Vancouver organizations receive over $2.4 million to revitalize local public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

37. Vancouver organizations receive over $2.4 million to revitalize local public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

38. Specific claim settlement agreement reached between Gitanmaax Band and Government of Canada

    Today, Tracey Woods, Chief of the Gitanmaax Band, and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced the settlement agreement regarding the Gitanmaax Band’s Surrender of 36 acres of Indian Reserve No. 1 Specific Claim.

39. Government of Canada to announce funding to support local public space projects and enhance visitor experiences in Vancouver

    Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, on behalf of 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 improve community infrastructure and strengthen tourism experiences in Vancouver.

40. The Government of Canada invests in active transportation in Pemberton

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Russell Mack, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C Director, and His Worship Mike Richman, Mayor of Pemberton, announced a federal investment of more than $418,000 to extend the Friendship Trail in Pemberton.

41. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Pemberton

    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, Russell Mack, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C Director, and His Worship Mike Richman, Mayor of Pemberton.

42. Backgrounder: Government of Canada announces over $20.8 million for businesses and organizations in Burnaby, B.C. to expand operations and create jobs

    Throughout British Columbia, innovative organizations and businesses are propelling the economy forward. PacifiCan’s vision is enduring prosperity for all British Columbians and we are partnering with forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators who share this ambition.

43. Government of Canada announces over $20.8 million for businesses and organizations in Burnaby, B.C. to expand operations and create jobs

    Throughout British Columbia, innovative organizations and businesses are propelling the economy forward. PacifiCan’s vision is enduring prosperity for all British Columbians and we are partnering with forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators who share this ambition.

44. The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in electrification of public transit in British Columbia

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Transit, announced a joint investment of more than $395.5 million to support public transit in British Columbia.

45. Backgrounder: The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in electrification of public transit in British Columbia

    The Government of Canada is investing $82,019,527 through the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF) and $87,860,437 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to support four public transit infrastructure projects in British Columbia, for a total of $169,879,964.

46. Government of Canada to announce support for innovative Burnaby-based businesses and organizations

    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 several Burnaby-based organizations commercialize new products, acquire advanced technologies and increase sales.

47. Prince Rupert charter boat owner fined $10,000 for feeding seals, a violation of Canada’s Fisheries Act Marine Mammal Regulations

    The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s wildlife, biodiversity and fisheries resources for generations to come. Fishery officers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) work hard to conserve and protect the environment by enforcing the rules and regulations set out in Canada's Fisheries Act. Failure to comply with the rules may lead to charges and fines for individuals and companies.

48. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in British Columbia

    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, the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Transit.

49. Canada Leads First High Seas Mission to Fight Illegal Fishing in the North Pacific

    On behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, Ron McKinnon, is holding an event to launch the first Canadian-led high seas mission to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the North Pacific.

50. Government of Canada to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

    Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will participate in a commemorative ceremony at the Ambassador of Peace Monument in Central Park, Burnaby, BC.