British Columbia News

1. Assault of an inmate at Mission Institution – medium security unit

   On March 8, 2025, an inmate was the victim of an assault in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution.

2. Investing in BC Hydro projects across the province

   The federal government is investing more than $156.8 million in eight electrical infrastructure projects across the province to electrify key infrastructure and support a future with more energy efficient and sustainable communities. This funding is provided through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the expansion of clean energy.

3. Backgrounder: Investing in BC Hydro projects across the province 

   The federal government is investing more than $156.8 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support eight BC Hydro projects across British Columbia.

4. The Government of Canada works to protect British Columbia's aquatic ecosystems through projects under the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF)

   Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced over $7.6 million in funding for four projects in British Columbia under the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF). This fund supports aquatic restoration projects helping to address the root causes of impacts to coastal and marine environments, including Canada’s coastline, estuaries, and inland regions.

5. Musqueam and Canada take a key step forward with self-government agreement initialling

   Chief Wayne Sparrow of Musqueam Indian Band and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced the initialling of the Musqueam Self-Government Agreement. This significant milestone demonstrates progress for Musqueam, moving the First Nation one step closer to re-establishing self-governance and away from federal control under the Indian Act.

6. Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Government of Canada sign a Reconciliation Agreement

   Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, marked a significant milestone towards strengthening their Nation-to-Nation relationship.

7. Healthy meals for kids, savings for families in British Columbia

   School food programs make life easier. They provide healthy meals to kids throughout the school year. They save working families hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. They also support local economies, farmers and producers by sourcing food grown locally, whenever possible.

8. Minister Anandasangaree and Tsleil-Waututh Nation to sign a Reconciliation Agreement

   The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Chief Jen Thomas of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) will sign a new Reconciliation Framework Agreement to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship.

9. PacifiCan invests $6.4 million to drive business growth and support community economic development initiatives across British Columbia

   Funding will help B.C. companies access the investment capital, customers, and expert advice they need to grow and help communities capitalize on development opportunities

10. NEW funding opportunities: Canada Water Agency invites applications for actions aimed at freshwater protection and sustainability

    Freshwater protection and sustainability start with empowering local initiatives focused on taking action. Investing in partner-led projects for environmental protection, restoration, and conservation bolsters Canada’s clean-growth economy and ensures sustainable freshwater resources for future generations.

11. Minister Anandasangaree and Musqueam announce key milestone on Self-Government Agreement

    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, will announce the initialling of a Self-Government Agreement.

12. The Governments of Canada and British Columbia support more healthy meals for kids in British Columbia

    The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and the Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care for British Columbia, will make an announcement on the National School Food Program.

13. Minister Sajjan announces funding to British Columbia for 2024 wildfires

    In 2024, British Columbia saw over 1,600 wildfires burn approximately one million hectares of land. Between April 21 and October 7, 2024, over seven thousand residents were evacuated from their homes. Multiple residences, provincial infrastructure, provincial recreation sites and trails, and range fencing were destroyed.

14. Government of Canada signs pharmacare agreement with British Columbia to improve universal access to free medications

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s (BC) Minister of Health, announced the signing of a pharmacare agreement to invest more than $670 million over four years to provide universal access to contraceptive and diabetes medications, devices and supplies for residents of BC.

15. Government of Canada will make an important health care announcement in British Columbia

    The Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Health, will make an announcement on health care in British Columbia.

16. Government of Canada takes action to protect aquatic species at risk in British Columbia 

    The following 10 projects are receiving funding under the Canadian Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) to support conservation and recovery efforts.

17. PacifiCan announces over $4.8 million in funding to attract more visitors to B.C. and bring B.C. products to more markets around the world

    The Government of Canada is investing in memorable outdoor and cultural experiences across the province, and providing additional support to help businesses diversify export markets

18. Backgrounder: PacifiCan announces over $4.8 million in funding to attract more visitors to B.C. and bring B.C. products to more markets around the world

    The Government of Canada is investing in memorable outdoor and cultural experiences across the province, and providing additional support to help businesses diversify export markets

19. The Government of Canada takes action to protect aquatic species at risk in British Columbia

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced $4.79 million in funding for ten projects as part of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR). This investment directly supports conservation and recovery for aquatic species at risk in BC.

20. Court fines fishing charter company and guides for harvesting threatened rockfish species

    Canada’s marine species are a precious resource and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s mandate is to help sustain and protect them, now and for the future.

21. Backgrounder: PacifiCan announces $18.3 million to scale up local businesses, boost B.C. exports, and opens new intake for business growth program

    Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs are growing their companies and creating prosperity, in sectors from agriculture to life sciences. PacifiCan is investing in this growth.

22. PacifiCan announces $18.3 million to scale up local businesses, boost exports, and opens intake for business growth program

    Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs are growing their companies and creating prosperity, in sectors from agriculture to life sciences. PacifiCan is investing in this growth.

23. Transport Canada announces funding for Indigenous communities to purchase marine equipment and advance training opportunities in British Columbia

    Today, the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Anita Anand, announced funding of $2.3 million to improve vessel safety for 12 Indigenous communities to improve vessel safety through the MSET Initiative. The Ucluelet First Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe (Maa-nulth), Snuneymuxw First Nation, Ditidaht First Nation, Halalt First Nation, and Toquaht Nation (Maa-nulth) are among the communities receiving funding to purchase marine safety equipment and provide training to community members.

24. Government of Canada announces funding for Indigenous communities to purchase marine equipment and advance training opportunities in British Columbia

    Transport Canada’s Marine Safety Equipment and Training (MSET) Initiative provides funding to Indigenous communities along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project marine shipping route to purchase marine safety equipment and provide training to community members. It is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to listen, engage, and work with Indigenous communities to respond to marine safety concerns.

25. Government of Canada to announce multi-million-dollar investment for B.C. business growth and innovation

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan will announce funding for B.C.-based businesses, as well as a new program intake window for B.C. companies seeking support to grow.

26. Government of Canada invests $5 million to boost plant-based food production

    B.C. entrepreneurs and businesses are driving innovation and transforming global industries, including food and beverage production. With a strategic location, talent, and vibrant culinary landscape, Richmond has emerged as a hub for innovative companies in this sector.

27. Federal government invests in shoreline adaptation and restoration for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation

    Erosion and flood protection improvements will help preserve the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) shores after a joint investment of more than $10.1 million from the federal government and the Nation.

28. Government of Canada invests $1.35 million in new airborne sensing lab so local companies can develop cutting-edge technologies

    PacifiCan funding will help local businesses to harness data, test new technologies, and bring innovations to global markets by accessing this ‘lab in the sky’ at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus

29. History made as ŦE,ITḴEN,IST I SȽEW̱ÁL,NOṈET SĆȺ,Í, a Joint Statement by the W̱SÁNEĆ Chiefs of Tsartlip, Tseycum First Nations, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation acknowledge the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation is the beneficiary of and successor to the North Saanich and South Saanich Treaties of 1852

    The Government of Canada, the province of British Columbia, and the Tsartlip and Tseycum First Nations – have signed the ŦE,ITḴEN,IST I SȽEW̱ÁL,NOṈET SĆȺ,Í, a joint statement that’s name translates to ‘Moving Forward and Speaking the Truth and Peace of Mind at Last’.

30. Canada commits to sharing Vancouver (YVR) airport ground lease revenue with Musqueam to boost community development and economic growth

    Today, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, alongside the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade (signing in counterpart), signed an agreement committing the Government of Canada to share a percentage of ground lease revenues with Musqueam Indian Band. These revenues are collected by the Government of Canada from the Vancouver Airport Authority.

31. Government of Canada helps Racial Equity Screen Office succeed on the world stage

    Parliamentary Secretary Taleeb Noormohamed met with representatives of the Racial Equity Screen Office, a recipient of the Creative Export Canada funding program.

32. Minister Anandasangaree and Musqueam to sign historic Vancouver International Airport Revenue Sharing Agreement

    Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, will announce the signing of an agreement to share a percentage of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) ground lease revenues.

33. Government of Canada Celebrates Launch of the $5-Billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, celebrated the launch of the $5-billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program while announcing an additional $6.2-million investment in seven Indigenous-led energy and forestry projects in British Columbia through the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) program.

34. Government of Canada Supports Increased Indigenous Participation in British Columbia’s Natural Resources Economy

    Natural Resources Canada has provided $6.2 million in investment to seven Indigenous-led projects in development in British Columbia through the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) Program.

35. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Mountain Institution

    On February 15, 2025, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

36. Government of Canada invests over $1.1 million to drive innovation in the blue economy

    With its strategic location along the Pacific Ocean, rich marine biodiversity, and advanced research institutions, British Columbia is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in sectors such as aquaculture and marine technology.

37. Tsay Keh Dene Nation and Canada sign $11 M Funding Agreement to Support Community Priorities

    The Government of Canada is providing over $11 million to the Tsay Keh Dene Nation to support key priorities identified by the Nation, including economic development, governance, community development, wellness and other socio-economic opportunities.

38. Federal government invests in rebuilding public infrastructure in Lytton 

    Following the devastating 2021 fire, which destroyed 90 per cent of the structures in the Village of Lytton, the federal government is committed to supporting new community infrastructure after an investment of more than $25.9 million.

39. POSTPONED: Government of Canada to make an important announcement about youth mental health

    The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, will make an announcement about youth mental health.

40. Minister Fisher recognizes three British Columbians for volunteer service helping Veterans

    The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing those who have contributed to the well-being of Veterans and their families, and to keeping the memory of their contributions, sacrifices, and achievements alive.

41. Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to be presented to three Canadians from the Vancouver Area

    The Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will present the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to three recipients from the Vancouver Area. Minister Fisher and recipients will be available for a brief media availability following the ceremony.

42. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On February 9, 2025, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

43. Minister Anand to make an announcement about building a greener economy

    The Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Anita Anand will make an announcement about building a greener economy. The Board Chair of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Mark Mawhinney, will also be present.

44. Government of Canada invests $6 million to drive growth in B.C.’s life sciences sector

    British Columbia is home to a thriving life sciences sector, with over 2,000 companies employing more than 20,000 people across the province.

45. Minister Sajjan to announce support for B.C.’s life sciences sector

    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 life sciences companies scale up in British Columbia.

46. Backgrounder: PacifiCan invests $17 million to support business growth across B.C.

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $17 million in PacifiCan funding for 10 organizations to help businesses in key sectors, such as life sciences, clean technology, and construction, scale up their operations.

47. PacifiCan invests $17 million to support business growth across B.C.

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $17 million in PacifiCan funding for 10 organizations to help businesses in key sectors, such as life sciences, clean technology, and construction, scale up their operations.

48. Government of Canada to announce investments that support business growth across B.C.

    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 support business growth in B.C.

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

    On January 27, 2025, Jonathon Reginald Taylor, an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre (Pacific Institution), died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

50. Federal government invests in improved flood protection in the Village of Tahsis

    Improvements to flood protection infrastructure will help the Village of Tahsis become more resilient to riverbank and coastal floods after a combined investment of more than $2.8 million from the federal, provincial, and local governments.