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b-c-reports-584-new-covid-19-cases-and-7-deaths
BCDec 16, 2021

B.C. reports 584 new COVID-19 cases and 7 deaths

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
ontarians-18-can-get-boosters-monday-shorter-dose-interval
CanadaDec 16, 2021

Ontarians 18+ can get boosters Monday, shorter dose interval

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
i-urge-british-columbians-to-follow-the-federal-governments-advice-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-john-horgan
BCDec 16, 2021

I urge British Columbians to follow the federal government’s advice to avoid non-essential travel: John Horgan

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
driver-caught-driving-impaired-and-street-racing-surrey-rcmp
BCDec 16, 2021

Driver caught driving impaired and street racing: Surrey RCMP

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.
vpd-releases-surveillance-images-of-homicide-victim
BCDec 15, 2021

VPD releases surveillance images of homicide victim

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
island-health-authority-issues-overdose-drug-poisoning-advisory-for-greater-victoria-region
BCDec 15, 2021

Island Health authority issues Overdose/Drug poisoning advisory for Greater Victoria region

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
we-may-wear-2-different-uniforms-we-share-a-common-commitment-to-your-safety-sps
BCDec 15, 2021

We may wear 2 different uniforms, we share a common commitment to your safety: SPS

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
CanadaDec 15, 2021

Don't travel internationally for non-essential reasons, government says

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
ontario-quebec-covid-19-cases-rise-as-provinces-consider-omicron-health-measures
CanadaDec 15, 2021

Ontario, Quebec COVID-19 cases rise as provinces consider Omicron health measures

Ontario and Quebec are reporting a jump in COVID-19 infections as the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of concern prompts varied public health responses across Canada. There are 1,808 new cases of COVID-19 in Ontario and 2,386 in Quebec. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced an expansion to COVID-19 booster shot coverage and rapid testing, while also loosening gathering restrictions. Private indoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people but can now include more than two different households regardless of whether people are vaccinated or not. Rapid test kits are to be made available to al

Just In

b-c-launches-new-forestry-and-emergency-management-testbed-under-look-west-plan
BCDec 16, 2025

B.C. launches new forestry and emergency management testbed under Look West plan

The B.C. government has launched a new Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed aimed at helping local companies develop and scale technologies to better protect communities from wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events. The initiative is part of the province’s Look West economic plan, which focuses on strengthening domestic industries and reducing reliance on external markets. Delivered through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace, the provincewide testbed will allow B.C. businesses to pilot technologies in real-world settings tied to wildfire and flood prevention, f
five-month-nanaimo-rcmp-probe-leads-to-drug-trafficking-and-firearm-charges
BCDec 16, 2025

Five-month Nanaimo RCMP probe leads to drug trafficking and firearm charges

A five-month investigation by Nanaimo RCMP has resulted in multiple drug and firearm-related charges against two Nanaimo residents, following the seizure of controlled substances, weapons and body armour from a local residence. Police say the investigation began in early November 2024 after general duty officers received information that a home in Nanaimo was being used to traffic illegal drugs. With assistance from the RCMP General Investigation Section and the Projects Drug Unit, officers executed a search warrant at the residence on April 17, 2025. During the search, investigators seized qu
federal-buy-canadian-procurement-rules-take-effect-prioritizing-domestic-industries
CanadaDec 16, 2025

Federal ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement rules take effect, prioritizing domestic industries

The federal government’s new ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policy came into force today, marking a significant shift in how Ottawa purchases goods and services for major public projects. The policy, announced earlier this fall, is designed to give preference to Canadian-made products and Canadian workers in federal contracting. The government says the approach is aimed at strengthening domestic industries and protecting supply chains during a period of ongoing global trade uncertainty. In its first phase, the policy applies to federal contracts valued at $25 million or more. These projects
AlbertaDec 16, 2025

Inmate convicted in Edmonton prison killing was already serving life sentence for Calgary murder

A man already serving a life sentence for the murder of a Calgary caseworker has been convicted in the killing of a fellow inmate at a maximum-security federal prison in Edmonton. Brandon Newman was found guilty last week of manslaughter in the 2022 stabbing death of 33-year-old Bretton Fisher at the Edmonton Institution. Newman is currently incarcerated for the second-degree murder of Deborah Onwu, a caseworker who was stabbed 19 times at an assisted-living facility in Calgary in 2019. Court heard that tensions escalated inside the prison after Fisher confronted Newman over the earlier killin
heavy-rain-warnings-remain-in-southwest-b-c-as-flood-recovery-continues-in-fraser-valley
BCDec 16, 2025

Heavy rain warnings remain in southwest B.C. as flood recovery continues in Fraser Valley

Residents in parts of southwestern British Columbia are being warned to prepare for more heavy rainfall as cleanup efforts continue following recent flooding in the Fraser Valley. Environment Canada says up to 70 millimetres of rain could fall across areas including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley through Wednesday morning. The forecast comes as floodwaters linked to the Nooksack River in Washington state begin to recede, allowing cleanup operations to start earlier this week in several low-lying Fraser Valley communities. Provincial officials say the flood threat is not over. B.C. Emerg