British Columbia News

The British Columbia News Centre offers you quick access to the provincial news of the day.
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  1. Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia to provide update on implementation of B.C.’s exemption under the  Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

    The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, and the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, British Columbia Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will provide joint remarks on the implementation of B.C.’s exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, coming into effect on January 31, 2023.

  2. Government of Canada invests in organic waste conversion systems for rural communities in BC

    Today, Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of nearly $832,000 for Safi Enterprises Inc. under the Research and Innovation Stream of the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program.

  3. Government of Canada Helps Protect Canadians with Earthquake Early Warning System

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, along with Bowinn Ma, British Columbia Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, announced that British Columbia is installing up to 50 earthquake early warning sensors in high seismic risk areas. These sensors will connect to the national Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system that will be operational in 2024, supplementing and complementing several hundred sensors already installed by Natural Resources Canada.

  4. Government of Canada invests in Canadian innovators developing solutions to improve food safety and plant health

    The Government of Canada is investing in Canadian small businesses to develop innovative tools, products and services that are vital to the keeping Canada's food, plants and animals safe.

  5. Parks Canada will make an important announcement about infrastructure funding to provide safer and better visitor experiences at mountain national parks

    Parks Canada will make an important announcement about infrastructure funding to provide safer and better visitor experiences at mountain national parks.

  6. Settlement Agreement reached in  Band Class Litigation

    Canada has signed an agreement with the Representative Plaintiffs who represent the 325 bands that have opted into the Band class litigation. Through this settlement, Canada is committed to addressing the collective harm caused by the residential schools system and the loss of language, culture, and heritage.

  7. Settlement agreement reached for Band class litigation

    Today, Band class representatives former Chief Shane Gottfriedson and former Chief Garry Feschuk, along with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada has signed an agreement with the Representative Plaintiffs who represent the 325 bands that have opted into the Band class litigation.

  8. End of lockdown and search at Mission Institution – Medium security unit

    The lockdown and exceptional search put in place on January 6, 2023, at the medium-security unit at Mission Institution, ended on January 13, 2023. The institution has resumed its normal operations and visits have resumed.

  9. Government of Canada to make an announcement on the Gottfriedson Band Class settlement

    The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, joined by the Band Class representative plaintiffs, will make an announcement on the Gottfriedson Band Class Settlement.

  10. Green renovations to improve Musqueam Elders Centre’s energy efficiency

    Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Warren Sparrow, Chief of Musqueam Indian Band, announced $134,895 in federal funding to increase energy conservation and affordability through a clean building retrofit of the Elders Centre on Musqueam Indian Reserve #2.

  11. Government to make an announcement about preventing gun crime and gang violence in Burnaby

    Members of the media are invited to join the Honourable Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on behalf of the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, to make an announcement to prevent gun crime and gang violence across the city of Burnaby.

  12. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Musqueam

    Members of the media are invited to attend an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Wayne Sparrow, Chief of Musqueam Indian Band.

  13. Seizures of contraband and unauthorized items at Kent Institution

    From January 1 to11, 2023, contraband and unauthorized items were seized during an exceptional search conducted at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

  14. Government of Canada Partners with Ocean Wise to Amplify the Voice of Young Professionals at IMPAC5

    The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will announce a partnership with Ocean Wise that will amplify youth voices at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) which takes place next month in Vancouver. Minister Murray will be joined by representatives from the IMPAC5 Secretariat and Ocean Wise.

  15. Backgrounder: Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $3.9 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.9 million in PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast.

  16. Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $3.9 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.9 million in PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast.

  17. Canada invests in upgrades to Mackenzie’s Recreation Centre

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and Her Worship Joan Atkinson, Mayor of the District of Mackenzie, announced more than $2.9 million in funding to retrofit the Mackenzie Recreation Centre.

  18. Canada invests in active transportation in the Township of Langley

    Township of Langley, British Columbia, January 11, 2023 — Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, announced a federal investment of $99,973 to support two active transportation projects in the Township of Langley

  19. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Matsqui Institution 

    On December 6, 2022, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included three packages of THC, two cell phones, chargers, USB and SIM cards. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $35,000.

  20. Information about COVID-19 at Matsqui Institution

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) advises that five inmates at Matsqui Institution, in British Columbia, have tested positive for COVID-19. The health and safety of our employees, inmates, and the public continue to be our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and measures are in place to minimize spread of the virus within the institution.

  21. Lockdown and search at Mission Institution – Medium security unit

    On January 6, 2023, a lockdown was put in place in the medium-security unit at Mission Institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

  22. End of lockdown and search at Mountain Institution

    The lockdown put in place at Mountain Institution on January 2, 2023, has ended and the exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations and visits have resumed.

  23. Canada invests in active transportation in the Fraser Valley

    City of Mission, British Columbia, January 10, 2023 — Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced a federal investment of $99,907 to support two active transportation projects in the Fraser Valley

  24. CBSA investigation leads to prison for firearms and drug possession

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping prohibited weapons and restricted firearms out of our communities and ensuring that those who break the laws are held accountable.

  25. Seizure of contraband at Matsqui Institution

    On January 4, 2023, correctional officers at Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution, intercepted an inmate who was attempting to bring contraband into the institution. The contraband seized included MDMA, cocaine and methamphetamines/fentanyl. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $10,900.

  26. Lockdown and search at Mountain Institution

    On January 2, 2023, a lockdown was put in place at Mountain Institution, a medium security federal institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

  27. Government of Canada Releases Final Decision on the Sukunka Coal Mine Project

    The Government of Canada recognizes the mining sector as an important economic driver in Canada. However, mining projects can sometimes have significant adverse environmental effects – effects that matter to Canadians. In these instances, the government must take specific and targeted actions to protect the environment and its wildlife for future generations.

  28. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On December 17, 2022, staff at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution, responded to an incident where an inmate was being assaulted. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment.

  29. Backgrounder: Canada invests in active transportation on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

    The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.7 million through the Active Transportation Fund to support 9 active transportation infrastructure projects on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.

  30. Canada invests in active transportation on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

    Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia, December 20, 2022— Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced a federal investment of more than $1.7 million to support nine active transportation projects on the Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

  31. Canada invests in active transportation projects across British Columbia

    City of Vancouver, British Columbia, December 19, 2022—Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced a federal investment of more than $1.3 million to support 27 active transportation planning projects in British Columbia.

  32. Backgrounder: Canada invests in active transportation projects across British Columbia

    The Government of Canada is investing $1,300,485 through the Active Transportation Fund to support 27 active transportation infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

  33. Canada invests in active transportation in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley

    Mission, British Columbia, December 19, 2022— Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, announced a federal investment of over $1.6 million to support two active transportation projects in British Columbia’sthe Lower MainlandFraser Valley of British Columbia.

  34. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

    Plan contributes to preserving our nation’s heritage and connecting Canadians to history in Coastal British Columbia.

  35. Canada and British Columbia invest in better wastewater treatment in the District of Sechelt

    Sechelt, British Columbia, December 16, 2022—Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and John Henderson, Mayor of the District of Sechelt, announced a joint investment of $914,288 to upgrade wastewater treatment in the District of Sechelt.

  36. B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund launched, creating new opportunities for First Nations in the cannabis industry

    B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund launched, creating new opportunities for First Nations in the cannabis industry.

  37. Three rockfish harvesters found guilty of numerous violations under the Fisheries Act and handed significant penalties

    On November 16, 2022, the British Columbia (B.C.) Provincial Court found Da Zhou, Zhao Chen, and Ngai Chau guilty of significant violations under the Fisheries Act, including the obstruction of justice and violations of recreational fishing regulations involving rockfish and lingcod. The Honourable Justice Mrozinski delivered her sentence by prohibiting the three men from fishing for a year. She also ordered them to pay a total of $17,500 in combined fines and instructed that all of the defendants’ associated gear involved in the violations, including rods, reels, and lures, at an estimated value of $1,000, be forfeited to the Crown.

  38. Women’s Workplace Health and Safety Scholarship Winner Announced

    The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) announced the winner of the 2022 Chad Bradley Scholarship Award.

  39. Government of Canada working to rebuild Pacific salmon populations

    Threats like climate change, habitat degradation, pollution, land and water use, acute events like toxic spills and landslides, and fishing pressures have left many Pacific salmon populations at historically low levels.

  40. Fisheries and Oceans Canada launches a new program under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI)

    Vancouver, British Columbia – Fisheries and Oceans Canada will introduce a new program, funded under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, to support conservation and sustainability.

  41. Backgrounder: Northern B.C. communities receive over $2.4 million in funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.4 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects across Northern B.C.

  42. Northern B.C. communities receive over $2.4 million in funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.4 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects across Northern B.C.

  43. Canada and the Witset First Nation partner to launch the Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project

    Today, Chief Barry Nikal from the Witset First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced the launch of the Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project.

  44. New federal investments announced for British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative

    As part of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and the Strengthened Climate Plan, the government is working alongside First Nations, provincial and industry partners to invest in the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative.

  45. New federal investments announced for British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative

    New federal investments announced for British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative

  46. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On December 7, 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.

  47. Government of Canada invests $2.25M for project to support mental health in Métis communities across British Columbia

    Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced $2.25M in funding to Métis Nation British Columbia for their project to provide Métis community members with information and resources to improve mental health and well-being.

  48. Backgrounder: East Kootenay communities receive over $2 million in funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects throughout the East Kootenays.

  49. East Kootenay communities receive over $2 million in funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects throughout the East Kootenays.

  50. Assault of an inmate at Kent Institution

    On November 27, 2022, an inmate was found to have been 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 and has since returned to the institution.