British Columbia News

1. End of lockdown and search at Matsqui Institution

   The lockdown put in place at Matsqui Institution on September 23, 2022, has ended and an exceptional search has been completed.

2. Backgrounder: Government of Canada announces funding for advancements in mRNA vaccine technology at the University of British Columbia

   British Columbians continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether at home, at work, or in their community. Throughout the pandemic, science has provided the greatest defense, particularly through mRNA vaccines. These vaccines trigger the body’s immune response to help protect against infection and severe illness.

3. Government of Canada announces funding for advancements in mRNA vaccine technology at the University of British Columbia

   British Columbians continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether at home, at work, or in their community. Throughout the pandemic, science has provided the greatest defense, particularly through mRNA vaccines. These vaccines trigger the body’s immune response to help protect against infection and severe illness.

4. Government of Canada to make announcement on advancements in mRNA vaccine technology at the University of British Columbia

   The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will announce funding for projects at the University of British Columbia to advance mRNA vaccine research and build a home-grown pipeline for responding to new and emerging COVID-19 variants.

5. Government of Canada announces remediation project at former Canadian Forces Sailing Association Waterlot

   Ensuring the health and safety of Canadians, protecting our environment and advancing Indigenous reconciliation are priorities for the Government of Canada.

6. Livestock emergency response trailers going to Lower Mainland, Kootenays

   Agricultural producers in the Lower Mainland and Kootenays will have access to mobile livestock emergency response trailers through a pilot project funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

7. Lockdown and search at Matsqui Institution

   On September 23, 2022, a lockdown was put in place at Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

8. Lower child care fees for British Columbia families

   Too many families across Canada lack access to affordable, inclusive and high quality child care. That is why the Government of Canada has laid out a plan to provide parents in Canada with, on average, $10 a day child care for children under six years old.

9. Lower child care fees for British Columbia families 

   The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, will join British Columbia’s Minister of State for Child Care, Karina Chen, and British Columbia’s Minister of Education and Child Care, Jennifer Whiteside, in Burnaby to announce how they will make child care more affordable for families in British Columbia.

10. Tsal’alh receives funding to construct a community gazebo in Shalalth

    Public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In Shalalth, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

11. Parks Canada and Huu-ay-aht First Nations gather to officially reveal a plaque honouring Kiix̣in Village and Fortress National Historic Site

    Parks Canada and Huu-ay-aht First Nations gather to officially reveal a plaque honouring Kiix̣in Village and Fortress National Historic Site.

12. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On September 15, 2022, an inmate was found to have been the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment. The inmate has since returned to the custody of the Correctional Service of Canada.

13. Government of Canada announces funding for disaster recovery in British Columbia

    Over the last several years, devastating wildfires and floods have caused immeasurable damage in communities across British Columbia. Many of those communities are still suffering from the impact.

14. Change of Command Ceremony for the Pacific Region

    On September 7, 2022, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) held a Change of Command Ceremony in the Pacific region. This occasion marked the change in command from the outgoing Regional Deputy Commissioner Denis Boucher, to the incoming Regional Deputy Commissioner Constance Hourie.

15. Statement from Minister Champagne on Canada’s Telecommunications Reliability Agenda following Rogers’ outage on July 8, 2022

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, issued the following statement

16. Town of Oliver receives funding to develop multi-purpose public plaza in downtown core

    Public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses, and stimulating local economies. In Oliver, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

17. Kootenay Lake Historical Society receives funding to revitalize the SS Moyie in downtown Kaslo

    Public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In Kaslo, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

18. Canada and the Old Massett Village Council partner to launch the iit’l gudaad – We Remember Haida Heritage Plaza project

    Today, Donald Edgars, Chief Councillor of the Old Massett Village Council; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, launched the iit’l gudaad – We Remember Haida Heritage Plaza project. The Government of Canada will provide $500,000 through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program (CSICP) towards the construction of the memorial.

19. Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce receives funding to revitalize downtown core

    Public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In Armstrong, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

20. Canada and the Old Massett Village Council partner to launch the iit’l gudaad – We Remember Haida Heritage Plaza project

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and Old Massett Village Chief Councillor Donald Edgars to announce the launch of the iit’l gudaad – We Remember Haida Heritage Plaza project.

21. City of New Westminster receives funding to upgrade Riverside Adventure Park 

    Shared public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In New Westminster, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

22. Government of Canada announces $10 million for much needed facility and infrastructure upgrades aimed at positioning the Pacific National Exhibition for post-pandemic recovery and growth

    Major festivals and events show off the best of British Columbia’s beauty and culture. They support jobs and industries that depend on tourism, and they allow visitors and locals alike to renew ties in person as we celebrate together once again. The Government of Canada is taking action to revitalize these capstone events across the country, positioning them for an even brighter future.

23. Government of Canada and British Columbia are putting patients first with new research investment

    Patients and their families have unique insights about themselves and what matters when they are receiving health care services. Through their lived experience, patients bring valuable perspectives to research into new and better ways of delivering care that will improve the health of all people in Canada.

24. Town of Creston receives funding to develop downtown public space

    Public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In Creston, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

25. Canadian Coast Guard and Kwakiutl First Nation Officially Open New Hardy Bay Base and Dedicate CCGS Pachena Bay into Service

    Port Hardy, British Columbia - Today marked the grand opening celebration for the newly constructed Canadian Coast Guard Hardy Bay Base as well as the dedication to service ceremony for the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Pachena Bay, which is now stationed at the new base in Port Hardy, British Columbia.

26. Parliamentary Secretary Adam van Koeverden to make health research announcement

    August 29, 2022 – Victoria, British Columbia – Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Sport, will make an announcement regarding support for patient-oriented research in British Columbia. He will be joined by Dr. Stirling Bryan, Chief Scientific Officer, Health Research BC.

27. City of Langley receives funding for upgrades to City Park 

    Public spaces are the heart of communities across Canada. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In Langley, like many places across Canada, the community is ready to welcome back residents and visitors to enhanced community facilities and public spaces.

28. Regenerative agriculture funding stream added to revitalized Canada-B.C. program

    B.C. agriculture producers and processors will soon be able to apply for funding to help increase innovation and resiliency as they compete with the international market.

29. Canada and British Columbia invest in community, culture and recreation infrastructure

    First Nations of Ashcroft Indian Band, British Columbia, August 26, 2022—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, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced joint funding for new and existing community spaces in four B.C. communities.

30. Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest in community, culture and recreation infrastructure

    Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest in community, culture and recreation infrastructure

31. CBSA Pacific Region intercepts nearly 900 kilograms of suspected cannabis bound for export

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to stopping the illegal movement of cannabis across Canada’s international borders.

32. Government of Canada helps to create at least 2,100 apprenticeship positions in British Columbia

    The skilled trades are essential to Canada’s economy. Indeed, few industries are as essential to Canadians’ everyday lives. Smart investments are needed to support Canadians from all backgrounds in taking up apprenticeship training now, and to help kick-start lucrative careers in well-respected skilled trades.

33. Ahousaht First Nation celebrates completion of their new wastewater treatment plant

    The Government of Canada and First Nations are working in partnership to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in First Nations communities.

34. Government of Canada announces three projects dedicated to expanding active transportation infrastructure in the Lower Mainland

    Today, Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities; Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam; His Worship Rob Vagramov, Mayor of the City of Port Moody; and His Worship Richard Stewart, Mayor of the City of Coquitlam, announced $132,400 in federal funding to support three research projects in active transportation in Port Moody and Coquitlam.

35. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia double funding and extend pacific salmon program 

    Improving the health of Pacific salmon and ensuring a sustainable fishing sector is a priority for both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

36. Communities throughout northern British Columbia receive funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Safe and inclusive public spaces and robust tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout northern British Columbia, communities are ready to welcome back residents and visitors to enjoy accessible public spaces and new and improved tourism experiences.

37. Backgrounder: Communities throughout northern British Columbia receive funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Backgrounder: Communities throughout northern British Columbia receive funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

38. Government of Canada to announce funding for apprenticeship positions in British Columbia

    The Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera, will be at the British Columbia Construction Association to announce funding through the Apprenticeship Service for a project that will provide financial support to first-year Red Seal apprentices in the construction trades.

39. Prince Rupert commercial diver receives largest fine to-date under Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations

    Watching whales and other marine mammals in their natural surroundings gives Canadians an opportunity to better appreciate these beautiful animals, but when humans get too close, we risk disturbing and even harming them. Canada has laws in place to ensure that marine mammals can be enjoyed at a safe distance.

40. Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest over $20 million in infrastructure projects across the province to build more resilient, greener communities

    Canada and British Columbia invest over $20 million in infrastructure projects across the province to build more resilient, greener communities

41. Canada and British Columbia invest over $20 million in infrastructure projects across the province to build more resilient, greener communities

    Bella Bella, British Columbia, August 19, 2022—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, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine and B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $20 million in joint federal-provincial funding for eight social, transportation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

42. Government of Canada announces three projects in Port Coquitlam to support seniors

    Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has helped millions of Canadians, including seniors, by providing them with COVID-19 related supports and benefits. As Canada emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government will continue to support community organizations that make a difference and create opportunities for seniors to stay active and involved in their communities.

43. Backgrounder – Canada announces NHSP funding for projects in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

    The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contributes to improving seniors’ health and well-being.

44. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia extend pacific salmon program

    Vancouver, British Columbia – The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will be joined by the Honourable Josie Osborne, BC Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship, and Minister responsible for Fisheries, as well as by Fin Donnelly, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Government of British Columbia, to make an announcement regarding the launch of the second phase of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.

45. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia support 14 fish and seafood innovation projects

    Today’s environmental challenges mean that innovation and science are critical elements in helping to rebuild a healthy ocean ecosystem. Maintaining a sustainable and economically strong fish and seafood sector is a priority for both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

46. Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia support  14 fisheries and seafood innovation projects

    Projects eligible for funding under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) must have an emphasis on one or more of the following three areas

47. Government of Canada to announce new funding to support community-driven projects in northern B.C.

    Government of Canada to announce new funding to support community-driven projects in northern B.C.

48. Canada invests in new community hall for Tseshaht First Nation

    Tseshaht First Nation, B.C., August 19, 2022— 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 a federal investment of more than $3.4 million in a new community hall for the Tseshaht First Nation, who is investing over $1.1 million in this project.

49. Minister Khera to announce funding for projects to support seniors in Port Coquitlam

    The Honourable Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera, will be in Port Coquitlam to announce investments in three community-based projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. These projects will create opportunities for seniors to stay active in their communities.

50. Minister Ng highlights support for entrepreneurs and business owners in Manitoba and British Columbia

    Small businesses are at the heart of Canadian communities and are the engines that drive local economies. Their success is critical to accelerating inclusive growth that benefits everyone.