With increased BC Family Benefit, more than 285,000 families throughout B.C. will see bigger payments in their bank accounts starting this month."Global inflation and higher interest rates continue to be hard on many families right now," said Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care. "The BC Family Benefit is one way we're helping families provide the food, clothes and opportunities their kids need to have the best start possible."The BC Family Benefit is a regular monthly payment from the provincial government. Eligibility is based on income and number of children.The benefit reaches fami

The University of British Columbia has named neuropsychologist and Carleton University leader Benoit-Antoine Bacon as its new president and vice-chancellor.The university says Bacon will take over from interim president Deborah Buszard, who has served in the role since the October 2022 exit of Santa Ono.Nancy McKenzie, chair of UBC's board of governors, says Bacon has strong leadership qualities and brings a wealth of experience to the role with a track record as a researcher, teacher, and senior administrator at major Canadian research universities.Bacon has served as president and vice-chanc

The provincial government has ordered the City of Surrey to proceed with the Surrey Police Service and recall its plan to retain the services of the RCMP as the city’s police of jurisdiction.During a press conference in Victoria on Wednesday, Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth confirmed the same in accordance in accordance with Section 2 of the Police Act.He said that this is the final decision and he fully expects the elected government in Surrey to follow the law.Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke could not be immediately reached for comment.

British Columbia port employers say the longshore workers union has given 72-hour notice of renewed strike action starting on Saturday morning.It is worth mentioning that Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Reganhad said that the strike by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada is illegal after a ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.In a tweet, O'Regan says the board ordered that the union cease and desist any strike activity because it did not provide 72 hours notice. The strike that has shut down British Columbia's ports resumed Tuesday after the longshore workers uni

The Canadian Armed Forces says the first troops to help in British Columbia's wildfire fight have arrived in the province, with more soldiers, helicopters and a Hercules plane poised for deployment.The forces said in a statement that a reconnaissance team is on the ground in Prince George in central B.C. and is working with local authorities including the BC Wildfire Service to strategize.The arrival of the personnel and equipment will be welcomed by firefighters and communities, said the province's Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth."We also know we can count on the Canadian Armed Forces t

British Columbia is spending $3 million to expand a program that partners health-care workers with police to respond to mental-health-related calls.Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the program aim is to connect people in crisis to the appropriate services in their community and take pressure off stretched police resources.New teams are being funded for Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Penticton, Vernon, Squamish, Prince Rupert and the Westshore on southern Vancouver Island.Similar programs already exist in 10 B.C. communities including Kamloops, Victoria, S

B.C. is stepping up its fight against hard-to-recycle single-use and plastic items.A new provincial regulation will cover numerous items from shopping bags and disposable food service accessories to packaging made of polystyrene foam and compostable or biodegradable plastics.The Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation will begin to come into force in December.There will be a six-month phase-in period to educate the public and businesses and allow time for businesses to use up existing inventory.

The B.C. government is confirming the death of a firefighter who was responding to a wildfire near Revelstoke.A statement from Premier David Eby issued late Thursday offers his condolences.Calling it a "tremendous loss for everyone involved with the BC Wildfire Service at an already challenging time," the statement goes on to say the tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder that firefighters are often putting their lives on the line to keep people and communities safe.The statement offers condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the unidentified crew member on behalf of all Briti

Tentative deal reached to end B.C Port strike.B.C. Maritime Employer' Association says it will work with union and other partners to safely resume operations asap.It also states that the new 4 year deal is subject to ratification by both parties.No further details have been shared yet.