British Columbia News

1. Seizure of contraband at Matsqui Institution 

   On October 11, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband was seized within the perimeter of Matsqui Institution, a medium security federal institution.

2. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution  

   On September 20, 2021, 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.

3. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution

   On September 25, 2021, Dean Barker, an inmate from Pacific Institution died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

4. Canadian National Railway Company fined $2.5 million for Fisheries Act offence

   On September 15, 2021, Canadian National Railway Company (CN Rail) pleaded guilty in Prince Rupert Provincial Court to a charge of violating subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act in relation to the deposit of pesticides in or around waters frequented by fish. The company was fined $2.5 million, which will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund.

5. Canada and British Columbia invest in a community centre retrofit to support recreational needs in Trail, B.C.

   Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Katrine Conroy, Member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly for Kootenay West, on behalf of the Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Lisa Pasin, Mayor of Trail, announced funding to retrofit the Trail Memorial Centre’s library to support local recreational needs.

6. Twelve applications have received approval for funding under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF), totaling approximately $10.23 million

   Twelve applications have received approval for funding under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF), totaling approximately $10.23 million.

7. The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia announce an extension of support for quality early learning and child care across the province  

   The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia have reached an agreement on an extension to the Canada–British Columbia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

8. New agreement lays foundation for reconciliation of Haida Nation Title and Rights 

   The Council of the Haida Nation and the federal and provincial governments have signed the GayG̱ahlda “Changing Tide” framework agreement, setting the stage for reconciliation negotiations.

9. Government of Canada Invests close to $134 million to Support Canadians Living and Working in Long-Term Care in British Columbia

   Today, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.), on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced an agreement with British Columbia to provide it with close to $134 million for Safe Long-term Care.

10. Canada and TransLink invest in operations and maintenance facilities to accommodate the SkyTrain fleet

    Today, Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Jeffrey Busby, Acting Vice President of Engineering at TransLink, announced funding for new maintenance facilities to support the SkyTrain fleet.

11. Canada and British Columbia support Tseshaht First Nation to locate and commemorate their missing children from former residential schools

    The location and confirmation of unmarked graves of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children at former residential school sites across Canada are tragic reminders of the mistreatment of Indigenous children. As part of efforts to address historical wrongs and the lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harms, the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia are supporting Tseshaht First Nation as they embark on the difficult work of honouring the missing children who attended the Alberni Indian Resident School.

12. Media Advisory - Coquitlam, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to join an important virtual event regarding an infrastructure announcement in Coquitlam, B.C.

13. Canada and British Columbia invest to expand and update the Spani Outdoor Pool Complex in Central Coquitlam, B.C.

    Today, Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Teri Towner, Acting Mayor of Coquitlam, , announced funding to expand and update the Spani Outdoor Pool complex in Central Coquitlam, an important part of the community’s recreation infrastructure.

14. Canada and British Columbia invest to revitalize Lions Bay Beach Park

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Ron McLaughlin, Mayor, Village of Lions Bay, announced funding to revitalize the Lions Bay Beach Park, an important part of the community’s recreation infrastructure.

15. Media Advisory - Infrastructure Announcement in Coquitlam, B.C.

    Coquitlam, British Columbia, August 13, 2021—Members of the media are invited to attend an important infrastructure announcement in Coquitlam, B.C. This news conference will take place at the location listed below and will be in the presence of Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Teri Towner, City Councillor for Coquitlam.

16. Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest over $110 million in 14 drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects to provide reliable services to communities

    The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing $110.3 million in 14 water and wastewater projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure Stream. Canada is contributing more than $60.2 million, conditional on requirements related to consultations with Indigenous groups being met. British Columbia is contributing more than $50.1 million. Project recipients are investing over $40.1 million in total.

17. Canada confirms support for a new community, culture and recreation centre for seniors in South Vancouver

    Vancouver South, British Columbia, August 12, 2021—The Government of Canada continues to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities, enhance quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19.

18. Canada and British Columbia invest over $110 million in 14 drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects to provide reliable services to communities

    Kelowna, British Columbia, August 12 —The safety and well-being of Canadians are top priorities of the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Investments in public transit infrastructure during this unprecedented time provides an opportunity to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and make our communities more inclusive and resilient.

19. Canada and British Columbia invest in upgrades to the water filtration system for the Greater Vernon community

    Vernon, British Columbia, August 12, 2021—The governments of Canada and British Columbia continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities across the province, enhance people’s quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19.

20. Canada and British Columbia invest to improve BC Transit bus shelters for the new RapidBus in Kelowna, B.C.

    Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced joint funding of $282,500 to install two bus shelters for the new RapidBus station located on Highway 97 and Sexsmith Road in Kelowna, B.C.

21. Government of Canada announces over $3.5 million in support for University of British Columbia – BioProducts Institute

    In recent years, the pulp and paper sector sector has faced global competitive challenges due to shifts in consumer demands, lower prices, and supply shortages. Mills continue to innovate to remain competitive in a challenging environment. The University of British Columbia - BioProducts Institute is receiving funding to support this innovation.

22. New Contacts for Regional Development Agencies in British Columbia and the Prairie Provinces

    On August 5, 2021, the Government of Canada announced the creation of Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). Media who wish to follow the news and happenings of the two new agencies should bookmark the following links.

23. Government of Canada’s new Regional Development Agency for British Columbia

    Pacific Economic Development Canada will better serve the needs of local businesses, communities, and people in British Columbia.

24. Government of Canada to announce support for a Safe Long-term Care Fund (SLTCF) agreement with British Columbia

    Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.), on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, will announce support for safe long-term care in British Columbia.

25. Canada and British Columbia invest more than $6.8 million in pedestrian and cyclist overpass, connecting Burnaby Lake Regional Park and Deer Lake Park

    Today, Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Janet Routledge, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Burnaby North, on behalf of the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs; and His Worship Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby, announced funding to build a pedestrian and cyclist overpass over Highway 1 in Burnaby.

26. Media Advisory - Burnaby, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to attend an important infrastructure announcement in Burnaby, B.C.

27. Media Advisory - South Vancouver, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to attend an important infrastructure announcement in South Vancouver, B.C.

28. Minister Ng announces a joint statement committing to a federal-provincial partnership with B.C. to advance an integrated cleantech market 

    The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, is working toward a green and sustainable economic recovery that will create good jobs and secure the long-term growth and competitiveness of our economy.

29. Joint statement: Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia announce a partnership to accelerate integrated clean technology markets in British Columbia and beyond

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, and the Honourable Ravi Kahlon, British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, are today announcing a partnership to accelerate the development and testing of integrated markets for clean technologies in Canada, using British Columbia as a test bed. Integrated markets—where buyers come together to flex their purchasing power and provide important sales opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) innovators—can be a winning formula for boosting Canadian clean technology and exporting it to a global customer base.

30. Financial support, emergency feed available for British Columbia (B.C.) farmers, ranchers

    The governments of British Columbia (B.C.) and Canada are providing financial support for B.C. farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses through wildfires, record heat and prolonged drought in 2021.

31. The Government of Canada invests $50 million in fishing harbours in Steveston and throughout British Columbia

    Today, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada is investing a total of $50 million in the next two years to help renew 26 small craft harbours in communities along the Pacific coast. This includes $17 million in the Steveston Small Craft Harbour, $11 million in small craft harbours in the Prince Rupert area, and $22 million at other smaller harbours along the Pacific coast.

32. Canada and British Columbia invest in local infrastructure to help build community connections in the Vancouver Island Region

    Today, Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding for 21 local infrastructure projects in the Vancouver Island Region. They were accompanied by Ronna-Rae Leonard, Member of Legislative Assembly for Courtenay-Comox, His Worship Russ Arnott, Mayor of Comox, His Worship Bob Wells, Mayor of Courtenay and His Worship John Ranns, Mayor of Metchosin.

33. Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest in local infrastructure to help build community connections in the Vancouver Island Region

    Funding through the Investing in Canada plan will support 21 infrastructure projects in the Vancouver Island Region. The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing over $12 million in these projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Resilience stream. Canada is contributing over $10.3 million, and B.C. is contributing almost $1.7 million.

34. Minister Sajjan Announces Government of Canada Funding for British Columbia’s Small Craft Harbours 2021 in Steveston

    The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, will announce details of projects funded by the Government of Canada for British Columbia’s Small Craft Harbours and specific projects for Steveston Harbour.

35. Government of Canada and Eight Coastal First Nations to Implement Community-based Fisheries and Collaborative Fisheries Governance 

    The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Delivering on this commitment, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan and Coastal First Nations President (CFN) Chief Marilyn Slett, with representatives of CFN member nations, announced the signing of the amended CFN Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA).

36. Government of Canada and eight Coastal First Nations to implement community-based fisheries and collaborative management

    The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan and Chief Marilyn Slett, President of the Coastal First Nations, (CFN) with leaders of CFN member Nations will make an announcement about the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement.

37. Canada and British Columbia invest in two projects to improve active transportation in West Vancouver and Bowen Island

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea-to-Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Bowinn Ma, Member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, on behalf of the Honourable Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding to improve active transportation in West Vancouver and on Bowen Island. For the occasion, they were joined by Mary-Ann Booth, Mayor of West Vancouver, and Gary Ander, Mayor of Bowen Island.

38. Government of Canada to launch the new Regional Development Agency for British Columbia

    New Regional Development Agency in British Columbia will better serve the needs of local businesses, innovators and communities.

39. Canada and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation sign Agreement on Environmental Stewardship in the Burrard Inlet

    Today, Chief Jennifer Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport and the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, signed the Burrard Inlet Environmental Science and Stewardship Agreement.

40. Backgrounder: British Columbia’s 2021‒22 federal Canada Community-Building Fund allocations and top-up amounts

    The Government of Canada is providing $293 million under the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) of which $114 million will be transferred to the following 188 British Columbia communities through the Community Works Fund. In addition, the Government is providing $280 million as a top-up, calculated based on 2020‒21 CCBF allocations of which $109 million will be transferred to the following 188 British Columbia communities through the Community Works Fund.

41. Supporting communities across British Columbia

    Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced that British Columbia has received $293 million through the new Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) for the 2021–22 fiscal year, along with a top-up of $280 million. This top-up doubles the amount of money that British Columbia communities received through the program in 2020–21, enabling them to carry out infrastructure projects that support the well-being of their residents.

42. MP Hedy Fry announces funding for the False Creek Small Craft Harbour

    Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will make an announcement on investments in Vancouver’s False Creek Small Craft Harbour.

43. Government of Canada announces over $20 million investment in clean tech, digital economy, health sciences, and value-added agriculture

    The Government of Canada is investing $20 million in 10 companies in the areas of clean technology, digital economy, health sciences and value-added agriculture through the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program.

44. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia invest in sustainable salmon research and aquaculture science

    Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, and the BC Parliamentary Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Fin Donnelly, announced $7.9 million in funding for seven projects under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF).

45. Seven projects have been approved for funding under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF)

    Seven projects have been approved for funding under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF).

46. Government of Canada to announce details of the new Regional Development Agency in British Columbia 

    Tomorrow, Hon. Mélanie Joly, with Parliamentary Secretary Terry Beech will announce details of the new BC-focused regional development agency to better serve the people of British Columbia.

47. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia invest in sustainable salmon research and aquaculture science

    Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will be joined by Fin Donnelly, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Province of British Columbia, to make an announcement on investments in several salmon restoration and aquaculture projects under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

48. Canada and British Columbia invest in local infrastructure to help build community connections in Northern B.C

    Today, Ken Hardie, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood—Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced funding for nine local infrastructure projects in Northern B.C. They were accompanied by the Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Member of Legislative Assembly for Stikine, Chief Annie Howard of the Gitsegukla Band, and Chief Councillor Calvin Morven of Gitlaxt'aamiks Village.

49. Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest in local infrastructure to help build community connections in Northern B.C

    The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing over $5.7 million to support nine infrastructure projects in Northern B.C. through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Canada is contributing over $5.1 million, and B.C. is contributing over $615,000.

50. Calgary man sentenced for human smuggling following CBSA investigation

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced the sentencing of Ismail Nababteh, 47, of Calgary, Alberta following a CBSA investigation into human smuggling.