British Columbia News

1. Government of Canada introduces new measures to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern  

   The Government of Canada is implementing enhanced border measures for all travellers who have been in the Southern Africa region — including South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia— within the last 14 days before arriving in Canada.

2. CBSA Metro Vancouver Marine Operations officers seize over 2000 kg of khat, an illegal stimulant 

   CBSA Metro Vancouver Marine Operations officers seize over 2000 kg of khat, an illegal stimulant

3. Government of Canada Announces Funding for COVID-19 Safe Voluntary Isolation Sites in British Columbia

   Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced more than $5 million to support the following two projects in British Columbia, through the Government of Canada’s Safe Voluntary Isolation Sites Program: an employer-based reimbursement program for agricultural workers living and working across British Columbia through the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries to help support agri-worker isolation needs; and a safe voluntary isolation site in the City of Surrey through the Fraser Health Authority.

4. The Government of Canada and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority join together to address supply chain disruptions as a result of the British Columbia floods

   The Government of Canada continues to take action to support the transportation system of British Columbia after the recent floods.

5. Ministers Blair, Anand, Alghabra, Qualtrough and Guilbeault to provide an update on the state of emergency in British Columbia

   Ministers Blair, Anand, Alghabra, Qualtrough and Guilbeault to provide an update on the state of emergency in British Columbia

6. Recapture of inmate from Mission Institution

   On November 10, 2021, Roderick Muchikekwanape was returned to the custody of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).

7. Government of Canada extends contract for marine emergency towing vessels on the West Coast

   The Government of Canada is committed to protecting mariners and the marine environment on the West Coast, including Indigenous coastal communities and surrounding waters.

8. GCT Deltaport Expansion – Berth Four Project – Referral to a Review Panel

   The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced today the referral of the impact assessment of the proposed GCT Deltaport Expansion - Berth Four Project in British Columbia to an independent review panel.

9. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution

   On October 31, 2021, William James Riddle, an inmate from Pacific Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

10. Death of an inmate from Matsqui Institution

    On October 27, 2021, Russell John Oram, an inmate from Matsqui Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

11. Death of an inmate from Pacific Institution

    On October 24, 2021, Paul Alan Carlson, an inmate from Pacific Institution died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

12. Campbell River professional whale watching guide fined $10,000 under the Species At Risk Act for knowingly approaching Threatened killer whales

    On September 13, 2021, in Campbell River Provincial Court, the Honourable Judge R. Lamperson found Nicklaus Templeman, the owner and operator of Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions, guilty of violations under both the Species At Risk and Federal Fisheries Acts.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.