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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

pentagon-submits-request-for-additional-200-billion-tied-to-iran-conflict-official-says
WorldMar 19, 2026

Pentagon submits request for additional $200 billion tied to Iran conflict, official says

The U.S. Department of Defense has submitted a request to the White House seeking an additional $200 billion in funding tied to the ongoing Iran conflict, according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations, said the request has not yet been formally transmitted to Congress for consideration. It remains unclear whether the White House will advance the proposal. According to the official, the funding request would come on top of supplemental defence spending approved last year as part
chinese-ev-maker-byd-eyes-canadian-dealership-rollout-after-tariff-cut
CanadaMar 19, 2026

Chinese EV maker BYD eyes Canadian dealership rollout after tariff cut

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has begun discussions to establish a dealership network in Canada following a federal decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese-made EVs to 6.1 per cent, according to media reports. The company is planning to open as many as 20 dealerships within a year, starting in the Greater Toronto Area. Expansion could follow in Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary as part of a broader national rollout strategy. Reports indicate BYD may introduce several of its popular models in Canada, including the Seal, Dolphin and Seagull, though no official launch timeline has been co
punjab-congress-chief-urges-msp-law-flood-aid-in-lok-sabha
IndiaMar 19, 2026

Punjab Congress chief urges MSP law, flood aid in Lok Sabha

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday called on the central government to introduce legislation guaranteeing minimum support price for farmers, saying a commitment made during the farmers’ protest remains unfulfilled. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Warring said the Centre had assured protesting farmers that a legal framework on MSP would be brought forward, but “several years have passed” without action. According to parliamentary proceedings, he also raised concerns that cases registered against farmers during the agitation have not been withdrawn despite earlie
BCMar 19, 2026

B.C. population declines 0.4 per cent in late 2025 as non-permanent resident numbers fall

British Columbia’s population declined by 0.4 per cent in the final three months of 2025, according to new data released by Statistics Canada, driven largely by a drop in non-permanent residents. Statistics Canada reports that over the full year, B.C.’s population fell by about 41,000 people – roughly equivalent to the population of Mission. The agency attributes much of the decline to a reduction in non-permanent residents, which decreased by 6.7 per cent in the fourth quarter alone. Ontario and British Columbia both recorded overall population declines of 0.7 per cent in 2025, reflecti
WorldMar 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warns Iran after reported drone strike on Yanbu oil facility

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has issued a warning to Iran following reports of a drone strike targeting a major oil refining facility in Yanbu amid escalating regional tensions. According to regional media reports, the Samref oil refinery in Yanbu, a key Red Sea export hub, was hit in an aerial attack during ongoing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The extent of damage and any disruptions to production have not been independently confirmed. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom has the capability to respond, cautioning Iran against test