British Columbia News

1. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

   On December 3, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

2. 2024 Year in review: CBSA protecting Canadians and supporting our economy

   2024 Year in review: Day in and day out, some 8,500 frontline employees play a crucial role protecting our communities by preventing illegal goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada.

3. 2024 Year in review for Pacific Region: CBSA seizes 9,451 weapons and prohibited items and makes 7,960 illegal narcotic seizures

   Today, we are proud to report on the Canada Border Services Agency’s enforcement and operational activities in British Columbia and the Yukon, from January 1 to October 31, 2024.

4. Wetland restoration to increase water access and enhance biodiversity on ʔaq̓am lands 

   The ʔaq̓am wetland project’s goal is to restore the waterbodies to what is understood to be their precontact state, strengthening protection of the environment and supporting healthy and resilient ecosystems. This project is a joint investment of more than $1.4 million from the federal government, ʔaq̓am, Columbia Basin Trust, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Real Estate Foundation of BC. It is community-led by ʔaq̓am.

5. CBSA firearm investigation leads to 5 year prison sentence

   The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians by keeping prohibited firearms and weapons out of our communities. On April 18, 2024, Russell Vernon Major, a resident of Burnaby, B.C., was found guilty in Surrey Provincial Court of the following charges:

6. New funding supports Indigenous food sovereignty, security

   Indigenous farmers, communities and governments can access new funding to help strengthen food security and sovereignty, and increase Indigenous participation in B.C.’s agriculture and food sectors.

7. NICHI announces British Columbia recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs

   Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHI’s expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in British Columbia.

8. Northern B.C. organizations receive over $950,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and strengthen tourism in rural communities

   British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep.

9. Backgrounder: Northern B.C. organizations receive over $950,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and strengthen tourism in rural communities

   British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep.

10. CBSA officers seize a combined 246 kg of cocaine at Aldergrove and Pacific Highway Commercial ports of entry

    Today, the CBSA announced the interception and seizure of 210 bricks of cocaine being smuggled into British Columbia in three separate incidents.

11. The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan and Parliamentary Secretary Taleeb Noormohamed highlight the government’s tax break for all Canadians and new Working Canadians Rebate

    The past few years have been challenging. It feels like the price of everything has gone up. And while inflation is back to the 2 per cent target and interest rates have been cut four times this year, we know that Canadians aren’t yet feeling that in their household budgets.

12. Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Parliamentary Secretary Taleeb Noormohamed to announce tax break for all Canadians

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, alongside Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Taleeb Noormohamed, will make an announcement that will put more money in your pocket, so you can buy the things you need and save for the things you want.

13. Minister Wilkinson to announce tax break for all Canadians

    NORTH VANCOUVER – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will tour a local business to announce measures that will put more money in your pocket, so you can buy the things you need and save for the things you want.

14. New net-zero building in Pender Harbour to preserve local biodiversity and advance environmental stewardship

    The federal government is investing more than $13.4 million to help transform the Sunshine Coast with a new net-zero facility dedicated to elevating research, education, and cultural enrichment. The Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) is a collaboration of the Loon Foundation and shíshálh Nation to incorporate shíshálh traditional knowledge, western science, and local culture. The state of the art PODS building will be designed and operated to promote environmental stewardship and celebrate the region's rich biodiversity.

15. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Madeira Park

    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, Dr. Michael Jackson, Executive Director for the Loon Foundation, and Lenora Joe, Chief of the shíshálh Nation.

16. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On November 8, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

17. Government of Canada invests over $3.7 million to drive innovation and economic growth in Burnaby

    Burnaby is one of British Columbia’s most dynamic business hubs, known for its thriving tech sector and highly skilled workforce. Innovative local companies and forward-thinking leaders are creating sustainable solutions that are transforming global industries, from mining to transportation.

18. The Government of Canada invests in the small craft harbours of British Columbia

    Small craft harbours are the heart of many coastal communities, bringing people together in work and play, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for over 45,000 Canadians. As part of Budget 2024, $463.3 million over three years will be invested for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours. This is on top of the Department’s annual budget of $90 million for these harbours.

19. British Columbia small craft harbours, Budget 2024

    Projects funded by Budget 2024 will be undertaken at the following Fisheries and Oceans small craft harbours in British Columbia. Projects range from repairs to reconstruction of assets, or dredging related work.

20. Federal government supports projects for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness

    The federal government is partnering with two organizations to support Veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness in British Columbia and the Yukon.

21. Government of Canada to announce support for innovative businesses in Burnaby

    The Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour 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 advance regional innovation, create quality jobs and drive economic growth in British Columbia.

22. Minister MacKinnon to provide an update on the status of labour disputes at Canada’s ports

    Minister MacKinnon to provide an update on the status of labour disputes at Canada’s ports

23. Media Advisory: Veterans Homelessness Program Announcement in Surrey

    Members of the media are invited to an announcement with Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Melissa De Genova, Director of Development Partnerships for VRS Communities, and Valerie MacGregor, Board Chair of the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation.

24. Federal government partners with the City of Delta to protect the community from flood risks 

    The federal government is investing $7.6 million to protect people, essential transportation corridors, farmlands, and businesses in the City of Delta from increasingly intense rainstorms due to the impacts of climate change.

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

    The lockdown and exceptional search put in place at the medium security unit at Mission Institution on October 28, 2024, ended after four days. The institution has since resumed its normal operations, including visits.

26. Government of Canada invests in guide and service dog breeding and training facility to support Canadians with disabilities 

    Accessible infrastructure and meaningful improvements to facilities ensures more Canadians with disabilities can fully participate in their communities and readily access the services and programs they need.

27. Government of Canada announces program to boost homebuilding innovation in B.C.

    PacifiCan is one of several organizations working toward increasing the housing supply in British Columbia. Under Canada’s Housing Plan, the Government of Canada is taking action to address housing needs across the country.

28. MP Parm Bains to announce support for British Columbia’s fishing industry

    Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, will hold a press conference on November 12, 2024, to announce major investments in small craft harbours in British Columbia.

29. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Delta

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and Member of Parliament for Delta and His Worship George V. Harvie, Mayor of the City of Delta.

30. Federal government supports projects for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness

    The federal government is partnering with two organizations to support Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness in British Columbia.

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

    On November 2, 2024, Angel Jones, an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre (Pacific Institution), died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

32. Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Itinerary for Veterans’ Week – Wednesday, 6 November 2024

    Minister Petitpas Taylor will meet with representatives of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 179.

33. Government of Canada announces $2.7 million to support small businesses in British Columbia

    Across British Columbia, small businesses are creating jobs and strengthening communities. PacifiCan is committed to ensuring that entrepreneurs across the province have the resources they need to grow their businesses.

34. Shuswap Association for Community Living expands access to services with a wheelchair accessible vehicle

    The federal government is investing $94,000 in the purchase of a wheelchair accessible bus. With this investment, Shuswap Association for Community Living will be able to extend its services for persons with disabilities within Salmon Arm’s city limits and surrounding communities.

35. Lockdown and search at Mission Institution – medium-security unit

    On October 28, 2024, a lockdown was put in place in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

36. Affirmation of Command Ceremonies in the Pacific Region

    On October 28, 2024, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) held an Affirmation of Command Ceremony in the Pacific Region for five institutions:

37. Seizure of contraband at Mountain Institution

    On October 24, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, several packages containing contraband were seized on the perimeter of Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

38. Backgrounder: Thompson Okanagan communities receive over $725,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and support sustainable tourism

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation 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.

39. Thompson Okanagan communities receive over $725,000 to create memorable outdoor experiences and support sustainable tourism

    British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation 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.

40. Bonaparte First Nation celebrates completion of their new water treatment plants

    Today, Bonaparte First Nation proudly marked the completion of two new water treatment plants, which now provide clean drinking water to remote areas of their community.

41. Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative will support AI innovation and adoption in British Columbia

    PacifiCan funding of over $32 million will help businesses bring new technologies to market and adopt AI. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformational opportunity for British Columbians.

42. Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests $9.4 million to drive innovation and economic growth in Surrey

    Surrey is one of British Columbia’s fastest growing cities, home to innovative businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs with exciting plans for the future.

43. Government of Canada invests $9.4 million to drive innovation and economic growth in Surrey

    Surrey is one of British Columbia’s fastest growing cities, home to innovative businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs with exciting plans for the future.

44. Minister Sajjan to announce support for Artificial Intelligence innovation in British Columbia

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) will deliver an announcement that will boost AI commercialization and adoption in British Columbia.

45. Government of Canada to announce support for innovative businesses in Surrey

    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 three innovative businesses grow locally and compete globally.

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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.