British Columbia News

1. Death of an inmate from Kent Institution

   On July 18, 2024, Dennis James Harley, an inmate from Kent Institution, died while in our custody.

2. CBSA Greater Toronto Area Region: Operational and enforcement highlights from 2023

   The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region today released operational and enforcement highlights covering the period from January 1 to October 31, 2023.

3. CBSA Quebec Region: Operational and Enforcement Highlights from 2023

   Today, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Quebec Region, published the highlights of its enforcement and operational activities covering the period from January 1, to October 31, 2023.

4. Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with British Columbia

   Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. The Government of Canada recognizes that concerted and collaborative efforts by federal, provincial, and territorial governments are needed to improve health care for Canadians, including through better supporting health workers and ensuring access to medications for all.

5. Drugs for Rare Diseases – British Columbia Agreement

   The Governments of Canada and British Columbia (BC) signed the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases (DRD) agreement to invest a total amount of $194 million over three years to improve access to new drugs for rare diseases for its residents and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases.

6. Personal Support Worker Amendment – British Columbia Agreement

   The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia signed an amendment to the Aging with Dignity Agreement, providing British Columbia access more than $232 million in new funding to support Personal Support Workers (PSWs), also referred to as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in BC. This funding is being provided over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29), extending the existing Aging with Dignity (AWD) Agreement by one year.

7. Federal government invests in natural stormwater collection in Kamloops

   A new stormwater collection system on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Louis Centre lands to build community resilience and protect habitats for local wildlife after an investment of $1 million from the federal government.

8. K’ómoks First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia take important step to advance reconciliation by initialling the draft K’ómoks Treaty

   Today, Elected Chief Ken Price of the K’ómoks First Nation (K’ómoks); the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, marked a significant milestone towards renewing their nation-to-nation relationships.

9. Water infrastructure upgrades in the Sea to Sky Country

   Two communities in the Sea to Sky Country are receiving upgrades to their water infrastructure

10. Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society receives $250,000 to expand the Honda Celebration of Light

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $250,000 in PacifiCan funding for the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

11. The City of Prince George receives $150,000 to help develop a regional hydrogen hub

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) announced $150,000 in PacifiCan funding for the City of Prince George to support the development of a regional hydrogen hub for Central and Northern B.C.

12. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On July 15, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

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

    On July 13, 2024, Eugene Raymond Benoit, an inmate from the Regional Treatment Centre (Pacific Institution), died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

14. Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs and Canada sign Funding Agreement to restore self-government on ancestral lands

    The Gitanyow Nation, as represented by the Simgigyet’m Gitanyow (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs) and the Government of Canada recently signed a Funding Agreement, marking a significant step forward in restoring Gitanyow’s inherent right of self-government.

15. Government of Canada and coastal First Nations announce largest marine protected area in Canada

    Today, the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation and the Government of Canada announced the designation of Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxwiqak — Tsig̱is as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). This large ecologically unique ocean area located approximately 150 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island, is now Canada’s largest MPA designated under the Oceans Act via Governor in Council.

16. Sechelt property owner fined $70,000 for contravening the federal Fisheries Act

    On June 11, 2024, the Honourable Judge Steven Merrick of the Sechelt Provincial Court fined George Winkler $70,000 for offences under Canada’s Fisheries Act. Mr. Winkler pleaded guilty in October 2023 to violating the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Act by undertaking work that resulted in the death of fish and the destruction of fish habitat.

17. Minister Wilkinson to Make a Battery Supply Chain Announcement in British Columbia

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, will tour a facility and make a funding announcement to support battery supply chains. Media representatives are welcome to join the facility tour.

18. Government of Canada Announces Support for Ekona Power Inc.’s Clean Hydrogen Development

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a new investment of $1 million from the Energy Innovation Program’s Clean Fuels and Industrial Fuel Switching initiative to Ekona Power Inc. This funding will support Ekona in advancing its methane pyrolysis solution for clean hydrogen production from natural gas. Building on the success of a prior program to develop and test Ekona’s xCaliber™ reactor, which was previously supported by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through its Breakthrough Energy Solutions Canada Program, this project will support further development of the reactor and expand Ekona’s Burnaby test facility.

19. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution 

    On July 2, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

20. Trafficking and prohibited possession charges laid in CBSA ghost gun investigation in B.C.

    Weapons trafficking and prohibited firearm possession charges laid after CBSA ghost gun investigation in B.C.

21. Government of Canada and Heiltsuk Nation reaffirm commitment to local marine emergency response capacity

    Today, the Government of Canada and Heiltsuk Nation signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment of working together to enhance the Nation’s role in marine environmental response within Heiltsuk territory.

22. Government of Canada Concurs with B.C.'s Approval of Tilbury Marine Jetty Project

    Following a thorough environmental assessment based on science and Indigenous Knowledge, the Government of British Columbia approved the Tilbury Marine Jetty Project on March 27, 2024. Today, the Government of Canada issued its final environmental assessment decision allowing the project to proceed.

23. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On June 27, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

24. Joint Statement on the Canada Community-Building Fund

    Today, Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Anne Kang, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Trish Mandewo, President of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), released a joint statement.

25. Canadian Coast Guard Officially Opens New Hartley Bay Station and Dedicates CCGS Cadboro Bay into Service

    The Canadian Coast Guard plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of mariners and protection of Canada’s marine environment. Through the $3.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is supporting that work and improving marine safety and protecting Canada’s waters and coasts today, and for the future.

26. CCGS Cadboro Bay Vessel Sponsors

    By tradition, the Canadian Coast Guard invites a civilian to sponsor a vessel for its well-being and continued service, and to wish the vessel “good luck.” For the first time in its history, the Canadian Coast Guard was proud to have three sponsors for the CCGS Cadboro Bay at its dedication ceremony on June 25, 2024.

27. Government of Canada and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation sign Memorandum of Understanding to address community priorities and advance reconciliation

    Today, Chief Councillor Elmer Frank of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation; the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and representatives from Parks Canada on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the signing of the Hisiikcumyin Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines collaborative efforts and a path forward between the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Government of Canada to address community priorities and advance reconciliation.

28. Over $500,000 in fines and site remediations conclude a six-year investigation into major habitat destruction along the Chilcotin and Kleena Kleene Rivers

    A complex six-year investigation into major habitat destruction along the Chilcotin and Kleena Kleene rivers has concluded with a total of $545,000 in fines, following three court cases.

29. Nanaimo-based business receives over $3.1 million to power green transportation

    Across British Columbia, forward-thinking businesses are developing solutions to global environmental challenges. In Nanaimo, VMAC – which stands for Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors – is enabling more sustainable commercial transportation options and contributing to a resilient and competitive local economy.

30. CBSA Pacific Region investigation leads to seizure of a firearm, prohibited devices and drugs in Sicamous

    The CBSA’s Pacific Region Criminal Investigations Section launched an investigation after three firearm suppressors were intercepted by border services officers at Vancouver International Airport Air Cargo Operations in April 2024.

31. Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Canada and B.C. celebrate 10-year title anniversary with renewal of agreement

    Today marks 10 years since the historic Supreme Court of Canada judgment, known as the Tŝilhqot’in Decision, which resulted in the first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, recognizing the Tŝilhqot’in Nation as the owners of a portion of their traditional territory in the interior of British Columbia.

32. Death of an inmate from Mission Institution

    On June 24, 2024, an inmate from Mission Institution died while in our custody. The individual’s name has been anonymized to comply with a court-ordered publication ban to protect the identity of the victims.

33. Kitsumkalum First Nation, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia initial the draft Kitsumkalum Treaty and take important step to renew Nation-to Nation relationship

    Today, Chief Councillor Don Roberts of the Kitsumkalum First Nation; the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Murray Rankin, British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, marked a significant milestone toward renewing their Nation-to-Nation relationship.

34. Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence

    The Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model, developed in the Great Bear Rainforest, has become recognized around the world as a powerful tool to advance durable large-scale conservation coupled with sustainable economic and community development.

35. Kitselas First Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia initial the draft Kitselas Treaty and take important step in Nation-to-Nation relationship

    Today, Chief Glenn Bennett of the Kitselas First Nation, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Murray Rankin, British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, marked a significant milestone towards renewing their nation-to-nation relationships.

36. Cowichan Tribes sign historic agreement with Canada and Province of British Columbia to support their children, youth and families

    Today, Chief Cindy Daniels (Sulsulxumaat), Cowichan Tribes; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; and the Honourable Grace Lore, B.C. Minister of Children and Family Development signed a historic coordination agreement.

37. Daylu Dena Council celebrates grand opening of multi-purpose building in Lower Post, British Columbia

    Today, the Daylu Dena Council, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia, proudly announces the grand opening of a new multi-purpose building in Lower Post, British Columbia. The new Dene Kǫ^ multi-purpose building, developed as part of the transformation of the area once occupied by the Lower Post Residential School, marks a significant milestone in the community’s journey toward healing and reconciliation.

38. Grand Opening Celebration

    The Lower Post Residential School operated from 1951 until its closure in 1975 and was a source of profound trauma for many Indigenous families. Run by the Catholic Church, the school left lasting scars on the children and families of Yukon and northern British Columbia First Nations. The building continued to be used for government meetings and administrative purposes until it was permanently closed due to water damage in June 2020.The demolition of the remaining structure on June 30, 2021, marked a significant step towards healing and reconciliation. The event was attended by various federal and provincial ministers, including the Premier, community leaders, and Residential School Survivors, symbolizing the community's resilience and hope for the future. The grounds were blessed in preparation for the new multi-purpose building.

39. Signing of a historic coordination agreement related to First Nations children and families between Cowichan Tribes, Canada, and British Columbia

    Please be advised that Chief Cindy Daniels of the Cowichan Tribes, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Grace Lore, British Columbia’s Minister of Children and Family Development, will participate in a signing ceremony and celebration of a historic coordination agreement to affirm and restore jurisdiction over children and families to the Cowichan Tribes, British Columbia’s largest First Nation community by population.

40. Responsible, Realistic, and Achievable: The Government of Canada announces  transition from open net-pen salmon aquaculture in coastal British Columbia

    Wild Pacific salmon are an emblematic species in British Columbia that face unprecedented threats to their survival. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting wild salmon and promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices.

41. Minister Wilkinson to Make Important Announcement on Protecting Wild Pacific Salmon

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will make an announcement about wild Pacific salmon protection. He will be joined by the Minister of Citizens’ Services, the Honourable Terry Beech, and the Honourable Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra. A media availability will follow.

42. PacifiCan funding of $6.6 million will connect B.C. tech sector to global opportunities

    The Collision Conference, hailed as the ‘Olympics of Tech,’ is coming to Vancouver thanks to support from the Government of Canada and a network of local economic development partners.

43. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Matsqui Institution

    On June 10, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution.

44. Death of an inmate from William Head Institution

    On June 13, 2024, David Anthony Lowe, an inmate from William Head Institution, died while in our custody of apparent natural causes.

45. Supporting Okanagan’s resilience against floods

    Two communities in the Okanagan will take steps to protect themselves from flooding caused by climate change through an investment of more than $9.1 million from the federal and provincial governments, and municipalities of Vernon and Lumby.

46. Automation, robotics helping farmers strengthen food security

    B.C. farmers are accessing new technology through federal and provincial government funding to grow their businesses and increase production to help strengthen food security in the province.

47. CBSA Pacific Region investigation leads to firearm and drug charges for Nanaimo resident

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping prohibited firearms and illegal drugs out of our communities. As a result of an investigation by the CBSA’s Pacific Region Criminal Investigations Section, charges for firearm and drug possession have been laid against Cody Edward Ranger, a resident of Nanaimo, BC.

48. Transit investments in B.C. will help steer rural commuters to a smoother ride

    The federal government is investing up to $1.7 million in rural communities across British Columbia for transit studies, planning projects, vehicle purchases, and supporting infrastructure.

49. Backgrounder: Transit investments in B.C. will help steer rural commuters to a smoother ride

    The federal government is investing up to $1.7 million through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund to support 9 transportation projects across British Columbia.

50. Assault of an inmate at Matsqui Institution

    On June 4, 2024, an inmate was the victim of an assault at Matsqui Institution, a medium security federal institution.