Canada has surpassed a grim milestone, recording its 30,000th COVID-19 death since the pandemic began in early 2020.Ontario reported nine additional deaths attributed to the virus on Thursday, pushing Canada's overall total to more than 30,000 as experts warned of fresh threats posed by the more transmissible Omicron variant.Canada reached 10,000 COVID-19 deaths last November, and surpassed 20,000 deaths two months later in January, 2021 — a leap that occurred before enough vaccines were administered to have an impact.Experts say vaccines have significantly limited the number of people dying

B.C. is reporting 584 new cases of COVID-19, including two epi-linked cases, for a total of 224,245 cases in the province.There are 3,458 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 218,295 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 193 individuals are in hospital and 77 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.In the past 24 hours, seven new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,393.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: twoNorthern Health: threeIsland Health: two Past week cases (Dec. 7-13) – Total 2,781Not va

Ontario is expanding COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility to all adults, provided it's been three months since they got their second dose. Residents 18 and over will be able to book their vaccines starting Monday, and Premier Doug Ford says the new push will require all hands on deck. Booster appointments opened up for Ontarians 50 and older just two days ago, and Ford is urging them to book immediately, because they're most at risk of serious illness from the Omicron variant. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has introduced a slate of new measures meant to curb the spread of the highly contagious Omi

Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement following today’s federal travel advisory:"I urge British Columbians to follow the federal government’s advice to avoid non-essential travel outside the country. As the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads worldwide, this is not a time to take chances."While this advice undoubtedly disrupts many holiday plans, a fast-changing and unpredictable situation demands we act with caution and prudence. Avoid non-essential travel and follow public health guidelines. Plan your vaccinations and booster shots."As we enjoy the holiday seaso

Surrey RCMP says a driver was caught driving impaired and street racing in Surrey. Surrey RCMP provided the information in a tweet and shared pictures of the car and the clocked speed. Surrey RCMP on Twitter: Our traffic unit impounded this vehicle for excessive speed, impaired driving & street racing at 192 St & 42 Ave. The driver was issued fines, driving prohibition, a IRP & their license was cancelled. This incident shows the driver’s complete disregard for other road users.

Vancouver police say they have tracked the movements of the caretaker of a city park in the hours before he was killed. Police say 77 year old Justis Daniel was seen walking in his Kitsilano neighbourhood between noon and 7 pm on December 9th and they're hoping people remember seeing him. Images released show Daniel walking along a street dressed in dark clothing, wearing a black baseball cap and carrying a red and grey backpack. Police were called the morning of December 10th to the home in Tatlow Park where the man was found dead and the department says it believes he was killed the day bef

The Island Health authority has issued an alert about an increase in overdoses in Greater Victoria. It says there's a higher risk in both inhaling or injecting opioids or stimulants. It recommends anyone using illicit drugs to avoid using alone, to try a small amount of the drug first. The authority says users should also download the Lifeguard App, and carry and use the overdose reversing drug naloxone. Island Health on Twitter: Please Share: An Overdose/Drug Poisoning Advisory has been issued for the Greater Victoria Region. Resources for safer use are available: http://ow.ly/SJJL50H0kh6

In August 2021, the Surrey Policing Transition Trilateral Committee (SPTTC) approved an initial deployment of the first group of 50 Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers by November 30, 2021 (see news release). The deployment of this first group of officers into the Surrey RCMP will be staggered to allow for a seamless and safe integration.As the policing transition begins, an RCMP officer or SPS officer - or both - may show up when you call for police service in Surrey. However, during the initial phases of the policing transition, Surrey RCMP will continue to be the police force of jurisdicti

The government now advises against all non-essential international travel in the face of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19. Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos made the announcement Wednesday, following a Tuesday evening meeting between premiers and the prime minister. The health minister says the highly transmissible variant is now spreading in Canadian communities, and just about anywhere else in the world. Ottawa agreed to send shipments of booster doses and rapid tests to provinces and territories to quickly ramp up vaccination campaigns to combat the virus at home. Minister