British Columbia News

1. Canadian Coast Guard removes another large hazardous vessel from B.C. coastline

   Campbell River, B.C. - Under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is working to reduce the number of vessels of concern in Canadian waters, and minimize their impact on coastal communities, the environment and the public. As part of its role under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessel Act, the Canadian Coast Guard is pleased to report that another ship has been removed and is currently being deconstructed so it is no longer a threat to the marine environment.

2. Information about COVID-19 at Kent Institution

   The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) advises that nine inmates at Kent Institution, in British Columbia, have tested positive for COVID-19.

3. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

   On August 9, 2022, an inmate was found to have been victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum security federal institution.

4. Government of Canada to make an announcement related to Monkeypox

   The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, will announce funding to support community-based response to the monkeypox outbreak.

5. City of Quesnel receives funding for upgrades to the Riverfront Trail

   Government of Canada investing across British Columbia to revitalize community spaces and grow vibrant communities

6. Escape and recapture of inmate from Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village 

   On August 10, 2022, during the 09:30 a.m. count, staff members at Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village, a minimum-security federal institution, discovered that Edward Lee Campbell was not accounted for.

7. Williams Lake Curling Club receives funding to increase accessibility at the club

   Government of Canada investing across British Columbia to revitalize community spaces and grow vibrant communities.

8. Town of Princeton receives funding to revitalize downtown core and community spaces

   Government of Canada investing across British Columbia to revitalize community spaces and grow vibrant communities

9. District of Coldstream receives funding to build Coldstream Station, a new outdoor space that supports community gatherings and celebrations

   Government of Canada investing across British Columbia to revitalize community spaces and grow vibrant communities.

10. Canada and British Columbia invest $29.5 million in 11 projects to make B.C. communities more resilient to natural disasters

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Mike Farnworth, British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, announced more than $29.5 million in joint funding to reduce and mitigate the risk of floods and slide events in 11 communities across B.C. These projects are in addition to 18 other disaster mitigation-related projects that were announced last summer.

11. Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest $29.5 million in 11 projects to make B.C. communities more resilient to natural disasters

    The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing over $29.5 million in 11 projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Community Resilience Stream.

12. The Government of Canada invests in energy efficiency improvements to Salishan Place by The River arts, culture, and heritage centre in Langley

    Township of Langley, British Columbia, August 5, 2022—Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City in British Columbia. on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced $777,618 in funding towards energy efficiency upgrades to Salishan Place by the River, a cultural centre in the Township of Langley, which is currently being built in partnership with q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nation and with the participation of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Màthxwi (Matsqui) and se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) First Nations.

13. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in the Township of Langley

    Members of the media are invited to attend an infrastructure announcement in the presence of John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and His Worship Jack Froese, Mayor of the Township of Langley.

14. Government of Canada announces support for British Columbia’s aerospace sector

    British Columbia is one of the largest aerospace cluster in Canada with over 200 companies operating in the sector. Each year, the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) brings together industry stakeholders to network and capitalize on opportunities in domestic and international markets.

15. Government of Canada helps support healthy living behaviours for Indigenous communities in British Columbia

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced an investment of $834,060 to the Gathering Voices Society.

16. CBSA seizes “ghost guns” in British Columbia

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) fights organized crime by focusing on firearms-related offences at the border. Today, the CBSA in British Columbia (B.C.), announced that it has made two significant seizures of “ghost guns” in the B.C. Interior, following interceptions at international mail centres.

17. Government of Canada to announce support to British Columbia’s aerospace sector

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will announce funding to support organizations in B.C.’s aerospace sector.

18. Government of Canada shows its pride by supporting 2SLGBTQAI+ events in Vancouver

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $450,000 in funding to the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) to expand its programming by adding additional events during the Vancouver Pride Festival in the summer as well as new events in the fall and winter seasons.

19. Canada and Tseshaht First Nation successfully conclude 1913 Surrender and Sale of Iwachis IR 3 Specific Claim; $21 million paid to Tseshaht

    Today, Chief Ken Watts of Tseshaht First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced that Tseshaht First Nation and the Government of Canada have negotiated a settlement agreement regarding the Tseshaht First Nation’s 1913 purported Surrender and Sale of Iwachis IR 3 Specific Claim and that the settlement of $21 million has now been paid to the First Nation.

20. Government of Canada to announce new funding to support Vancouver Pride Society

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will announce funding to support the Vancouver Pride Society.

21. Government of Canada launches engagement towards a plan to transition from open-net pen salmon farming in British Columbia  

    In order to advance innovation and support the ecological sustainability of the aquaculture sector in British Columbia, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is taking the next step to transition from open-net pen aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters.

22. Delivering hundreds of new sustainable and affordable housing units across British Columbia

    Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and Taneen Rudyk, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a $7.74 million investment through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative to support the planning and construction of 497 housing units in communities across British Columbia. They were joined by the Mayor of Vancouver, Kennedy Stewart.

23. End of lockdown and search at Mountain Institution

    The lockdown put in place at Mountain Institution on July 22, 2022, has ended and the exceptional search has been completed.

24. Green infrastructure improvements to Princeton’s arena 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced $821,460 in funding for the revitalization of the arena in the Town of Princeton.

25. Lockdown and search at Mountain Institution 

    On July 22, 2022, a lockdown was put in place at Mountain Institution, a medium security federal institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

26. Community projects on the Sunshine Coast receive over $761,000 in federal support to enhance infrastructure and improve accessibility 

    Government of Canada investing across British Columbia to revitalize public spaces and grow vibrant communities

27. Information about COVID-19 at Mission Institution – Medium-security unit

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) advises that 13 inmates at the medium-security unit of Mission Institution, in British Columbia, have tested positive for COVID-19.

28. End of lockdown and search at Matsqui Institution

    The lockdown put in place at Matsqui Institution on July 14, 2022, has ended and the exceptional search has been completed.

29. Assault of inmates at Kent Institution

    On July 13, 2022, two inmates were the victims of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

30. Media Advisory  - Sunshine Coast Regional District, BC

    Media Advisory - Sunshine Coast Regional District, BC

31. Government of Canada invests in industry-leading innovation in Victoria

    British Columbia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to their communities – they create jobs, drive economic growth, and develop products and services that help solve local and global challenges.

32. Town of Gibsons receives funding to renovate park space in downtown Gibsons

    Government of Canada investing across British Columbia to revitalize public spaces and grow vibrant communities

33. Backgrounder: Communities throughout central and northern Vancouver Island receive funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will help municipalities across British Columbia provide better access to recreational programs and facilities, growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellness.

34. Communities throughout central and northern Vancouver Island receive funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences 

    Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will help municipalities across British Columbia provide better access to recreational programs and facilities, growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellness.

35. Government of Canada to announce funding that supports innovative businesses in Victoria 

    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 funding that will help innovative businesses accelerate their growth and compete globally.

36. Inmate assault, lockdown and search at Matsqui Institution

    On July 13, 2022, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital for treatment. No staff members or other inmates were injured during this incident and the inmate has since returned to the institution.

37. Government of Canada to announce new funding to support community-driven projects on Vancouver Island

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will announce funding to help improve community infrastructure and strengthen tourism experiences throughout central and northern Vancouver Island.

38. Statement from the Minister of Health on the British Columbia Court of Appeal’s decision in the Cambie Surgeries case

    The British Columbia (BC) Court of Appeal released its decision, upholding the ruling of the Supreme Court of BC in Cambie Surgeries Corporation et al. v. British Columbia (Attorney General) which dismissed the constitutional challenge to provisions of BC’s Medicare Protection Act.

39. The Government of Canada funds upgrades for Squamish’s public recreation complex 

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced over $11.7 million in funding for the retrofit of the public recreation facility in the District of Squamish.

40. Media Advisory - Squamish, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to attend an infrastructure announcement

41. #EVWeek in Canada: Minister Wilkinson Announces $1.7 M in Funding for New Chargers in British Columbia 

    As part of #EVWeek in Canada, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced a combined investment of $1.7 million to two organizations to install a total of 128 EV chargers in British Columbia.

42. Government of Canada announces more than $320,000 to enhance Indigenous cultural experiences

    COVID-19 had a significant impact on Canadian tourism as travel restrictions, both domestically and internationally, reduced visits to attractions across the country. The Government of Canada created the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to support tourism businesses and organizations investing their future growth, while safely welcoming visitors once again.

43. Canada and the ɬaʔamɩn Nation announce important infrastructure investments

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, joined Hegus (Chief) John Hackett of the ɬaʔamɩn (Tla’amin) Nation, a self-governing Modern Treaty Nation, to mark major investments in community infrastructure. The funding will support ɬaʔamɩn Nation’s infrastructure goals across its water and sewer systems, drainage, roads, bridges, and community buildings. The Government of Canada is providing a total of $7.3 million towards the projects through the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund (ICIF).

44. Seizures of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution 

    On July 6, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

45. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Matsqui Institution 

    On July 5, 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.

46. Four BC First Nations conclude self-government agreements regarding education

    In a celebration at Seabird Island today, four First Nations—Cowichan Tribes, Lil’wat Nation, ʔaq’am, and Seabird Island—were recognized and celebrated for concluding self-government agreements regarding education on their lands. Through their signed education jurisdiction agreements with Canada, the four First Nations now have recognized law-making authority over their Kindergarten-Grade 12 education systems, including authority over teacher certification, school certification, graduation requirements, curriculum, and course approvals.

47. Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Most Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care

    The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, along with Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Education and Lifelong Learning and Minister for the Status of Women, Natalie Jameson, will deliver remarks as co-chairs following the Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Most Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care, in Burnaby, British Columbia.

48. Families in Canada to benefit from innovative early learning and child care

    The early learning and child care sector is evolving in increasingly complex and challenging environments. Identifying innovative practices and solutions that better meet the needs of children and families will improve early learning and child care for the benefit of children and families in Canada.

49. Minister Miller and four BC First Nations to celebrate the implementation of First Nations Jurisdiction over Education

    Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, will join four BC First Nations (ʔaq'am, Cowichan Tribes, Lil'wat Nation, and Seabird Island) to celebrate the implementation of First Nations Jurisdiction over Education.

50. Canada, British Columbia and the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations advance to final stage of treaty negotiations

    The governments of Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw, Canada and British Columbia have signed a new agreement that will further advance reconciliation and treaty negotiations.