British Columbia News

1. Canada and British Columbia invest in redesigning Deep Cove’s village core along Lower Gallant Avenue

   Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, and His Worship Mike Little, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver, announced funding to redesign Deep Cove’s village core along Lower Gallant Avenue in North Vancouver. For the occasion, they were also joined by Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, and Susie Chant, Member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly for North Vancouver–Seymour.

2. Enforcement action by Fisheries and Oceans Canada leads to $10,000 fine for B.C. licence holder

   An on-site investigation and audit of paperwork by fishery officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Conservation and Protection Aquaculture Unit led to a guilty plea and $10,000 in fines for Keith Chui, a commercial clam fish harvester who co-owns an area aquaculture licence.

3. Infrastructure Canada and Community Foundations of Canada announce support for Vancouver communities under the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

   Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, joined Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre and Christine Buttkus, Executive Director at Surrey Cares Community Foundation to announce funding for projects under the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative that will benefit residents of Metro Vancouver. Also in attendance were Sophia Suderman, Executive Director of Pedal Foundation, Teka Everstz, National Coordinator at DUDES Club Society, and Karen Lee-Morgan, Artistic Director, Health Arts Society. The projects being announced today are among the more than 250 projects receiving funding following the first round of applications.

4. Media Advisory - North Vancouver, British Columbia

   Members of the media are invited to join an important virtual event regarding an infrastructure announcement in Deep Cove, in the District of North Vancouver.

5. Government of Canada takes action to remove bulk oil from the MV Schiedyk shipwreck in British Columbia

   Nootka Sound, British Columbia – The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s oceans and waterways, and is taking action to address the threat posed by wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels, including the MV Schiedyk, a historic shipwreck leaking oil off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

6. Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI)

   The Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) aims to curb historic declines in key Pacific salmon stocks and rebuild the species to a sustainable level. The Strategy will be a massive undertaking, unlike any before. It will not be a series of initiatives, but a single, guiding force that will steer investments, policies, and actions, with all levels of government and local organizations, for years to come.

7. Canada launches transformative effort to save Pacific salmon

   Vancouver, British Columbia – Pacific salmon have social and cultural significance for many Canadians and they are economically vital to many local communities. These iconic species are experiencing drastic population declines due to a combination of climate, habitat and harvesting pressures. Bold, transformative action is needed now to stabilize, protect and rebuild West Coast salmon stocks for the ecosystems and communities that depend on them, before it is too late.

8. The National Research Council of Canada and the University of British Columbia launch new Collaboration Centre for Clean Energy Transition

   The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are pleased to announce their new Collaboration Centre for Clean Energy Transition. Researchers from the NRC’s Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre, and key faculty members and students from the UBC Applied Science and Science faculties will work together to develop innovations in hydrogen and carbon technologies across the value chain of clean energy development. This includes materials, systems, technologies and industrial applications.

9. Government of Canada invests in Victoria, BC based program aimed at helping youth with disabilities find good job opportunities 

   The Government of Canada remains committed to building a more inclusive and accessible Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. One way to strengthen Canada’s workforce and economic recovery is to address the barriers faced by persons with disabilities when trying to find a job.

10. Kanaka Bar Indian Band and Canada settle historical claims

    Working collaboratively to renew relationships and righting historical wrongs is key to advancing reconciliation with First Nations peoples in Canada.

11. Backgrounder: Funding for destination marketing organizations and tourism business support services in British Columbia

    Funding to support tourism, one of the sectors most impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, was announced for B.C. today.

12. Government of Canada Regional Relief and Recovery Fund Saving Tourism Jobs in British Columbia

    Funding to support tourism, one of the sectors most impacted by COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, was announced for B.C. today.

13. Canadian Coast Guard officially opens new permanent station in Victoria, British Columbia

    Today Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the official opening of the new Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue station in Victoria, B.C.

14. Parliamentary Secretary Beech to officially open the new  Coast Guard Station in Victoria, B.C.

    Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, Terry Beech will make an announcement on the official opening of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue Station in Victoria.

15. Multiple seizures of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution

    Between February 28, and May 16, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Kent Institution, a maximum security institution.

16. Government of Canada and Ahousaht First Nation partnering on new response vessel to strengthen marine safety in British Columbia

    As part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot Program, Ahousaht First Nation has received and launched its new dedicated response vessel. As a founding member of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CN-CGA), Ahousaht First Nation works and trains with the Canadian Coast Guard and other first responders to support marine safety on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

17. Significant $45,000 Court Order for fishing violations in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, underscores the importance of protecting culturally significant sites and vital ecosystems

    A significant British Columbia court case was finalized on April 21, 2021, by Prince Rupert Provincial Court, against Silas Miro Levesque, commercial master of the vessel Wind Walker. Mr. Levesque was found guilty of fishing for lingcod in a culturally significant closed area inside the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site.

18. Death of an inmate from Matsqui Institution

    On May 13, 2021, Leonard Richard Collins, an inmate from Matsqui Institution died while in our custody.

19. Library and Archives Canada: ten projects for preservation of documentary heritage funded in British Columbia

    Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will provide $1.5 million to support 41 projects (including 26 new projects) by archives, libraries and documentary heritage institutions throughout Canada. Ten projects submitted by organizations from British-Columbia will be funded under the Documenary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP).

20. Border services officers seize over 17,000 litres of substance used to produce date-rape drug

    Border services officers seize over 17,000 litres of substance used to produce date-rape drug

21. New Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming to Saanich

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $110,000 investment to the District of Saanich to install 22 Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at municipally owned sites.

22. Canada and British Columbia support more than 31M$ in upgrades to onboarding computer systems and equipment for Vancouver-area bus fleet

    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, the Honourable George Heyman, British Columbia’s Minister of Environment, and Michael McDaniel, President of the Coast Mountain Bus Company, announced funding for upgrades to the onboard bus systems and security systems.

23. Canada Invests in Next-Generation EV Charging Networks in B.C.

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced an investment of more than $1.7 million to British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to address barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

24. Minister Joly Highlights Continued Investments to Secure Recovery and Build a Stronger Western Canadian Economy

    Western Economic Diversification Canada will deliver on landmark investments from Budget 2021 to help western Canadian businesses grow and succeed.

25. New EV Fast Charger Available in North Vancouver

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $50,000 investment to the City of North Vancouver to install an electric vehicle (EV) fast charger to encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

26. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and commercial prawn fishery industry work in partnership to ensure ‘tubbing’ can continue for the 2021 season 

    Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, confirmed her support for an interim protocol that would allow harvesters to freeze their catch, a process commonly known as “tubbing.” This Protocol, developed by the Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association will help prawn harvesters ensure that their catch, including catch frozen in tubs, is readily available for inspection by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fishery Officers and legally available for sale.

27. Minister Joly highlights new BC-focused Regional Development Agency investment announced in Budget 2021

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister respsonsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada met with economic development leaders from Burnaby and the Tri-Cities area to discuss the new British Columbia-focused regional development agency investment from Budget 2021.

28. Government of Canada invests in BC’s Economic Future

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, will discuss the federal government’s support for businesses and entrepreneurs through Budget 2021, including the creation of a new regional development agency dedicated to British Columbia.

29. Minister Ng highlights Budget 2021 investments in clean technology

    Budget 2021 is the Government of Canada’s plan to finish the fight against COVID-19 and ensure a robust economic recovery that is sustainable and inclusive of all Canadians.

30. Minister Ng to discuss Budget 2021

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, will meet with Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Burnaby-based Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre, to discuss opportunities for clean tech businesses, both in Canada and abroad.

31. Canada Invests in Nine Community-Led Indigenous Clean Energy Projects Across British Columbia 

    Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced almost $8.4 million for nine community-led clean energy projects across British Columbia that will build capacity and support rural and remote communities reducing their reliance on fossil fuel for heat and power.

32. 126 New Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming to White Rock, B.C.

    The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $630,000 investment to install 126 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at a multi-unit residential building and commercial site in the City of White Rock.

33. MP Beech to Make Clean Energy Announcement

    Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, will participate in a virtual clean energy announcement.

34. Canada, British Columbia and Daylu Dena Council partner to build new multi-purpose community building and demolish former residential school, in Lower Post

    Today, funding to build a new multi-purpose community building in the Kaska Dena community of Lower Post and to demolish the former residential school building was announced during a virtual event attended by Deputy Chief Harlan Schilling of Daylu Dena Council, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia. They were also joined by President Chad Norman Day of Tahltan Central Government, John D. Ward, Spokesperson for Taku River Tlingit First Nation, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Murray Rankin, British Columbia’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Stikine.

35. Backgrounder: Canada, British Columbia and Daylu Dena Council partner to build new multi-purpose community building and demolish former residential school, in Lower Post

    The Government of Canada is investing $11.5 million to build the new multi-purpose community building, including $10 million from Infrastructure Canada’s Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and $1.5 million from Indigenous Services Canada. The Government of British Columbia is investing $1.5 million, and Daylu Dena Council is contributing $538,960.

36. CBSA disrupts smuggling attempt after discovering 64 bricks of suspected cocaine 

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) continues to address risks and threats at the border to keep our communities safe. On April 15, 2021, the CBSA announced that border services officers seized 64 bricks of suspected cocaine in the Pacific Highway District.

37. Media Advisory -  Lower Post, British Columbia

    Members of the media are invited to join a virtual event regarding an important infrastructure announcement in Lower Post.

38. Minister Wilkinson invites Canadians to help shape the future of mountain national parks

    Parks Canada launches Indigenous and public engagement on draft management plans

39. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution 

    On April 13, 2021, Brodie Patrick Bingley, an inmate from Pacific Institution died while in our custody.

40. Following RCMP and DFO enforcement, Court orders heavy fines, forfeitures, and fees in excess of $70,000, plus significant fishing prohibitions, for 3 American recreational anglers

    On February 24, 2021, Washington State residents Bradley Wogalmott, Geoffrey Hoover, and Jonathan Magee, plead guilty in Campbell River Provincial Court to numerous violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act. The Honourable Judge Crockett ordered significant penalties for the three men.

41. Obstructing DFO fishery officers from carrying out their duties is illegal, and results in over $110,000 in fines for a Richmond seafood processing company, its co-owner, and a supplier

    On March 4, 2021, a serious case of obstruction of DFO fishery officers in the performance of their duties concluded in Richmond Provincial Court. The Honourable Judge Bonnie Craig found Tenshi Seafood Limited, and its co-owner, Dishi Liu, guilty of violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

42. Government of Canada announces $16.5 million to support harm reduction and people who use substances in British Columbia

    Today, Ken Hardie, M.P., on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced nearly $16.5 million in funding for 11 projects to help support communities in British Columbia in their efforts to address and prevent substance use-related harms.

43. Supporting projects to help address and prevent substance use-related harms in British Columbia

    The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada as they work to respond to the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes nearly $16.5 million in funding for 11 projects being carried out in British Columbia.

44. Government of Canada to announce funding for projects to help support people who use substances in British Columbia

    Ken Hardie, Member of Parliament, on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, along with the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, British Columbia’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will announce federal funding for eleven projects that help address and prevent substance use-related harms in British Columbia.

45. Government of Canada supports the official launch of the United Way’s Healthy Aging CORE resource hub 

    While the pandemic has been hard on everyone, it has been hardest on seniors. Seniors helped build the country we know and love today, and the Government of Canada is committed to helping reduce their social isolation.

46. Government of Canada announces over $5M in clean tech funding for British Columbia Fisheries and Aquaculture Projects

    Today, the Member of Parliament for Burnaby North—Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Terry Beech, on behalf of the Minister, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, announced funding of over $5.4 million from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program to support 36 projects that are contributing to clean economic growth in British Columbia. The Province of British Columbia also announced a contribution of more than $785,000 in funding towards these projects.

47. FACTAP funding for projects in British Columbia

    The Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technologies Adoption Program is a federal initiative encouraging the adoption of green technologies in the fishing and aquaculture industry. The program provides $20 million over four years to help businesses adopt new, clean technologies into their operations.

48. Complete cellular connectivity coming to “Highway of Tears”

    Thanks to federal and provincial investments, Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to Prince George will soon have cellular coverage along the entire route, fulfilling a critical recommendation to make the highway safer.

49. New Mass Timber Office Building Coming to Downtown Vancouver

    Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $900,000 investment to support the design and construction of oN5, a four-storey mass timber office building, to become the new home of Equilibrium Consulting.

50. Parliamentary Secretary Beech and Parliamentary Secretary Donnelly to provide an update regarding the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

    Vancouver, B.C. – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, Terry Beech with Fin Donnelly, British Columbia Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture, will make an announcement on investments in several projects through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP).