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bc-opposition-leader-proposes-10-point-plan-to-address-tariff-threats
BCFeb 03, 2025

BC Opposition Leader Proposes 10-Point Plan to Address Tariff Threats

BC Opposition Leader John Rustad has announced his party's 10-point tariff response plan, urging the Eby government to implement it immediately to safeguard the province's economy. In a letter to Premier David Eby, Rustad called for the province to negotiate agreements with other provinces to eliminate barriers to interprovincial trade, reduce carbon taxes, and open B.C. trade offices in countries beyond the U.S. Meanwhile, Ravi Kahlon, the head of the cabinet committee established by Premier Eby to tackle potential tariffs, has emphasized the government's commitment to diversifying B.C.'s ec
concerns-over-job-losses-in-bc-due-to-trumps-tariffs
BCJan 31, 2025

Concerns Over Job Losses in BC Due to Trump's Tariffs

Fears surrounding Trump's tariffs in British Columbia have raised concerns about potential job losses. BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore expressed significant concern, noting that workers on both sides of the border will have to bear the brunt of the tariffs. Although Skidmore did not provide an exact number of potential job losses in BC, she warned that if the 25 percent tariff continues for an extended period, thousands of jobs could be lost across Canada. She emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored to help protect workers' jobs. Earlier this week, Premier
b-c-assembles-war-room-to-push-back-against-u-s-tariff-threats
BCJan 30, 2025

B.C. assembles 'war room' to push back against U.S. tariff threats

British Columbia's premier is assembling a "war room" over the looming trade war between Canada and the United States, with President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs on Canadian goods coming as soon as Saturday. A statement from Premier David Eby's office says he is tasking a new cabinet committee with co-ordinating a "whole-of-government" approach aimed at protecting B.C. workers, businesses and the economy against the tariff threat. The committee is described as a "day-to-day war room" chaired by Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. Eby says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariffs are a "direct atta
john-rustad-criticizes-eby-government-over-health-care-crisis
BCJan 30, 2025

John Rustad Criticizes Eby Government Over Health Care Crisis

BC opposition leader John Rustad has sharply criticized the Eby government for what he calls the province’s failing health care system. Rustad stated that British Columbia’s health care is now among the worst globally, with patients dying while waiting for treatment. A recent report highlights that the provincial government is not fulfilling its promises. Dr. Charlene Lui, president of the BC Physicians Association and a Burnaby family doctor, revealed that 700,000 residents in British Columbia currently lack a family doctor. Dr. Lui described the situation as alarming, emphasizing the ur
sonia-furstenau-resigns-as-bc-green-party-leader
BCJan 28, 2025

Sonia Furstenau Resigns as BC Green Party Leader

Sonia Furstenau has resigned as leader of the BC Green Party following her loss in the October 2024 legislative election. Although Furstenau, 54, had led the party since 2020, she decided to step down after her defeat. Furstenau had served as the MLA for Cowichan Valley since 2017. However, in the most recent election, she chose to run in Victoria-Beacon Hill, where she was defeated by NDP cabinet minister Grace Lore by 3,688 votes. The BC Greens now have only two MLAs in the province. Born in Edmonton, Sonia Furstenau earned a degree in education from the University of Victoria before workin
b-c-government-sets-five-year-housing-target-for-surrey
BCJan 28, 2025

B.C. Government Sets Five-Year Housing Target for Surrey

The B.C. government, under Premier David Eby, has set a five-year housing target aimed at delivering a total of 27,256 homes in Surrey by June 30, 2029. The provincial government has requested that the city submit an annual progress report to Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. The housing target, which began on July 1, 2024, outlines specific milestones for new construction: 4,233 homes are expected to be built by June 30, 2025, followed by 4,639 homes between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. From July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, 5,248 homes are planned, followed by 6,060 new homes between July 1,
hitmen-face-sentencing-for-b-c-murder-of-former-air-india-suspect-malik
BCJan 28, 2025

Hitmen face sentencing for B.C. murder of former Air India suspect Malik

One of the admitted hitmen who killed former Air India bombing suspect Ripudaman Singh Malik is set to be sentenced for his part in the murder today in a New Westminster, B.C., courtroom. Tanner Fox and accomplice Jose Lopez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last October, with Fox scheduled to be sentenced today, and Lopez due back in court on Friday. Malik, who was acquitted of charges related to the 1985 Air India bombing, was shot dead in Surrey, B.C, on July 14, 2022. Fox and Lopez, who were both in their early 20s at the time of the killing, were originally charged with first-degree
bc-green-party-leader-could-announce-leadership-change-tomorrow
BCJan 27, 2025

BC Green Party Leader Could Announce Leadership Change Tomorrow

BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau could announce a change in party leadership tomorrow. Furstenau suffered a defeat in the October 2024 legislative election, but despite this, the leadership of the party has remained with her so far. Furstenau first won a seat in 2017, when her party played a key role in forming the New Democrats' government. In last year’s election, Furstenau left her former seat of Cowichan Valley to run for Victoria-Beacon Hill, where she was defeated by the NDP candidate. According to sources, BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau will hold a press conference tomorr
b-c-opposition-leader-warns-premier-against-responding-to-u-s-tariff-threat
BCJan 24, 2025

B.C. Opposition Leader Warns Premier Against Responding to U.S. Tariff Threat

B.C.’s main opposition leader, John Rustad, has cautioned Premier David Eby against making a statement in response to the looming threat of U.S. tariffs. Rustad advised that while a trade war could be initiated, the reality is that Canadians would ultimately bear the cost. As leader of B.C.’s Conservative Party, Rustad emphasized that the United States has historically been Canada’s strongest ally. His remarks came as a 25 percent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods is set to take effect on February 1. While acknowledging the potential damage caused by the tariffs, Rustad made it clear that t

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carney-signals-visa-talks-for-canadians-during-europe-trip
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union. Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday. During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, s
BCSep 15, 2026

Surrey’s $310M Newton Community Centre Construction Officially Begins

Construction has officially begun on the new Newton Community Centre in Surrey, marking one of the largest investment projects in the city’s history. According to the City of Surrey, construction crews are currently removing the old structures and preparing and levelling the site. Mayor Brenda Locke said the 175,000-square-foot modern community hub will bring a major transformation to Newton by bringing recreation, cultural and library services together under one roof. The $310-million project near King George Boulevard will feature a 50-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool, two gymnasiums, a
AlbertaSep 15, 2026

Jason Kenney Links UCP Calgary-Shaw Defeat to Alberta Separation Debate

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has linked the UCP’s defeat in the Calgary-Shaw byelection to the upcoming separation referendum, saying the debate over Alberta leaving Canada is turning away Conservative voters who also feel strongly about the country. Kenney said the separation issue is pushing some nationalist supporters toward opposition parties such as the NDP. He believes the October 19 referendum is having a negative impact on Conservative support. In the Calgary-Shaw byelection, Alberta NDP candidate Kyle Campbell defeated UCP candidate Mike Derry by 582 votes. Campbell received
rising-oil-prices-raise-odds-of-bank-of-canada-rate-hike
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Rising Oil Prices Raise Odds of Bank of Canada Rate Hike

Canada’s central bank could raise interest rates in the coming months as rising global crude oil prices increase inflationary pressures. Economists believe the Bank of Canada’s chances of raising rates by December are growing, despite Canada’s annual inflation rate remaining steady at 3% last month. Economists at Desjardins Group and RSM Canada say it may be difficult for Bank of Canada officials to ignore oil prices above US$100 a barrel, particularly if the increase persists. While core inflation remains under control for now, economists warn that continued oil price shocks could push
carney-announces-major-tax-break-to-boost-business-investment
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Announces Major Tax Break to Boost Business Investment

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a major tax break for companies making new investments in Canada. Under the new measure, businesses will be able to immediately claim 100 per cent of the cost of eligible new investments, including machinery, equipment and technology, as a tax deduction. Announced Tuesday, the measure is being called the “Productivity Mega Deduction” and is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in their operations. The government says making investments cheaper will give companies greater incentive to spend on expanding and improving their businesses, helpi