The British Columbia government says it will invest $50 million over the next two years to increase access to nasal naloxone kits as part of its response to the province’s ongoing overdose emergency. Health Minister Josie Osborne said the funding will allow nasal naloxone to account for roughly half of the more than 400,000 take home naloxone kits distributed each year in B.C. The province first declared the toxic drug crisis a public health emergency in April 2016, and officials say it continues to have widespread impacts on families and communities. According to the Health Ministry, inject

Burnaby RCMP are warning residents to remain vigilant after an elderly couple lost approximately $300,000 in a fraud scheme involving someone posing as a police officer. Police say the couple, both in their 80s, reported the incident on January 28 after being contacted by an individual claiming to be an RCMP officer. The caller allegedly told them their bank account had been compromised and instructed them to transfer their money to protect it. Over several weeks, the victims moved funds through multiple deposits and were directed to purchase gift cards as part of the scheme. They were also to

Former John Rustad has confirmed he will not seek the leadership of the BC Conservative Party, ending weeks of speculation about a possible return bid. In a statement released Saturday, Rustad said the decision followed considerable reflection. He began by thanking his wife for her support throughout his time in public life, describing her as his strongest source of encouragement during the pressures and challenges of political service. Rustad also expressed gratitude to supporters who had indicated they were prepared to back him in a leadership campaign. He said stepping aside was a decision

Vancouver Police say a 41-year-old man is in custody following a series of incidents in East Vancouver on Wednesday afternoon that involved a stolen motorcycle, a damaged work truck, and a small vehicle fire. According to investigators, the sequence began shortly before 1:50 p.m. on February 12, when a motorcycle was reported stolen near Main Street and Industrial Avenue. About an hour later, the motorcycle was found abandoned near Mountain View Cemetery, in the area of Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue. Police allege the suspect then entered a work truck parked inside the cemetery grounds, d

A four-day coordinated enforcement operation on Vancouver Island has led to multiple arrests, drug seizures and the removal of weapons, as police agencies worked together to disrupt organized crime activity in the region. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia conducted the deployment from January 29 to February 1, partnering with West Shore RCMP, Saanich Police Department and Victoria Police Department. The initiative focused on gang-related activity and intelligence-led enforcement aimed at reducing the availability of illegal drugs and preventing violence. During t

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has expressed condolences following a tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge that has shaken communities across British Columbia. In a public statement, Locke said residents of Surrey stand in solidarity with the victims and their families during what she described as an extremely difficult time. “My thoughts are with the families in Tumbler Ridge who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Locke said, adding that the incident has deeply affected people across the province. She noted that Surrey, as one of B.C.’s largest cities, shares in the grief being felt in the north

Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered flags on all federal buildings and institutions to be flown at half-mast for seven days following a deadly mass shooting in northeastern British Columbia that left 10 people dead, including the suspect. The attacks took place Tuesday in the small community of Tumbler Ridge. According to the RCMP, the suspect is believed to have first killed two people at a private residence before going to a local school, where several others were shot in what police have described as one of the most serious mass shootings in recent Canadian history. Investigators have sa

Tumbler Ridge RCMP say multiple people are dead and others injured after a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called at about 1:20 p.m. after a report of an active shooter and issued a Police Initiated Public Alert. The alert was cancelled at 5:45 p.m. after officers determined there were no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the public. RCMP say an individual believed to be the shooter was found dead inside the school with what appears to be a self inflicted injury. Six other people were found dead in the school. Two victims were airlifted

A Surrey man is facing steep fines, a vehicle impound, and long-term insurance penalties after police allege he was travelling at nearly three times the posted speed limit on the Alex Fraser Bridge earlier this week. BC Highway Patrol says officers observed a Lamborghini SUV moving significantly faster than surrounding traffic just after 8:00 p.m. on February 4. Using a laser speed reader, police clocked the vehicle at 197 kilometres per hour in a 70 kilometre per hour zone while it was heading northbound over the Delta span. Police say the 51-year-old driver was issued multiple violation tick