WHO head says, tomorrow marks six months since first indication of the emergence of the novel coronavirus

The British Columbia government has announced plans to create nearly 1,200 new licensed before-and-after-school child-care spaces across 22 school districts, including Surrey. Under the initiative, Peace Arch Elementary and Theresa Clarke Elementary in the Surrey School District will each receive 24 new child-care spaces. B.C. Minister of Education and Child Care Lisa Beare said the time before and after school can be particularly challenging for parents who are balancing work and family responsibilities. Having child care available directly within school grounds will provide families with con

Nearly 400 specialist doctors in Alberta have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dual-practice system, which will allow physicians to work within the public health-care system while also providing private services for selected surgeries, including hip and knee replacements. Although the legislation enabling the model is now in place, the office of Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said doctors must complete a formal application process before any private surgeries can begin. The first dual-practice surgeries are expected to take place this fall, following a r

Coquitlam RCMP are investigating a targeted shooting that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 29, and are asking drivers to review their dashcam footage from the area. Police said the incident took place in the 100-block of Schoolhouse Street between approximately 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Investigators are seeking video from vehicles that were travelling through or parked in the area during that time. RCMP said even footage that appears routine or unrelated could contain information valuable to the investigation. Police have determined that the shooting was targeted and said there is no ongoing risk to the p

Preparations are ramping up for Alberta’s 10-question referendum, with Elections Alberta beginning to distribute special mail-in ballots ahead of the Oct. 19 vote. Voters who have already registered for a special ballot will begin receiving their voting packages by mail. They can also choose to pick up their ballots in person. The special-ballot option is available to eligible Alberta voters who want to vote by mail. The referendum will feature 10 questions covering immigration, constitutional reform and Alberta’s future within Canada. The 10th question asks voters to choose between keep

The Bald Range wildfire, which caused widespread destruction about 15 kilometres west of Summerland, B.C., has finally been brought under control after nearly 25 days of intensive firefighting efforts. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the fire broke out on August 7 and has affected approximately 25,163 hectares of land. The wildfire spread rapidly in its early stages, prompting evacuation orders for nearly 20,000 people in Summerland and surrounding areas. With the fire now under control, most evacuation orders and alerts have been lifted, allowing thousands of residents to return home