B.C.'s David Eby government is facing a significant setback. Global credit rating agencies S&P and Moody’s both downgraded British Columbia's credit rating on the same day. The agencies cited the province's growing deficit and lack of a clear plan to exit its fiscal crisis. Moody’s projected that British Columbia's deficit will widen to $14.3 billion this year, which is 31 percent higher than the estimate made by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey in last month's budget and 57 percent higher than the most recent estimate of last year's deficit. Moody’s stated that B.C.'s credit outlook

The British Columbia government may soon end its electric vehicle (EV) rebate program as part of an effort to address the budget shortfall caused by the elimination of the consumer carbon tax. Energy Minister Adrian Dix has suggested that the province is reviewing various climate programs, including the EV rebate, in response to the $1.8 billion revenue loss from the tax removal. The elimination of the carbon tax was intended to reduce the financial burden on consumers, but it has left a significant gap in government revenue, which had previously funded key climate policies under the Clean BC

B.C. residents can now opt for a flat rate for electric heating and electric vehicle charging at home, replacing the current system where rates vary depending on usage. Under the new plan, customers will no longer be charged more for using additional electricity or less for using less. BC Hydro announced that residents can apply for this fixed rate to potentially save on their monthly bills. The new system is particularly aimed at households with multiple members, where electricity costs can increase due to baseboard heating, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging. The department stated th

British Columbians are waking to a future without a consumer carbon tax for the first time in 17 years, after the late-night approval of a bill to end the long-standing policy. The NDP government fast-tracked legislation to kill off the tax on Monday, in time to coincide with today's demise of the federal version of the tax. B.C. became the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce a broad-based carbon tax in 2008. Premier David Eby says it played an important role for many years, but it became a "toxic" issue as a result of campaigns by the B.C. and federal Conservative parties. Eby sa

Border officers have announced the seizure of almost 150 kilograms of methamphetamine bound for export at Vancouver International Airport, with some of the drugs disguised as gifts or masked with vinegar and pepper to hide their smell. The Canada Border Services Agency says in a news release that six separate seizures were made between Jan. 18 and Feb. 19, with the drugs all hidden in passengers' suitcases. It says destinations were Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, with the biggest single haul of 35.7 kilograms wrapped in gift paper and hidden in two suitcases bound for Hong Kong. The age

The British Columbia government is moving forward with the elimination of the consumer carbon tax. The province's Finance Minister, Brenda Bailey, has introduced a bill in the legislature to remove the 17-year-old tax for the public. Additionally, the payment related to the carbon tax that people will receive in April will be the final one. It is important to note that the consumer carbon tax has been in effect in BC since 2008. Its removal will result in a loss of approximately $1.5 billion to the provincial budget.

British Columbians could see a drop in gas prices starting April 1 as Premier David Eby's government introduces legislation in the legislature today to eliminate the consumer carbon tax. The move is expected to reduce gas prices by approximately 17 cents per liter and save residential natural gas consumers around $30 per month. However, passing the bill in the legislature on time may prove challenging. The BC Greens have expressed reluctance to support the bill without a replacement climate plan, while the BC Conservative Party has stated it will only support the bill if it does not further b

WestJet has issued an apology to passengers in British Columbia for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation of Flight WS3299 on February 16. The airline cited crew issues as the reason for the cancellation. In a statement, WestJet explained that the flight, scheduled to travel from Calgary to Nanaimo via Regina, was canceled due to unscheduled maintenance required for safety. The airline also acknowledged that passengers experienced difficulties obtaining vouchers for meals and accommodation. At the airport, passengers, including elderly individuals, were seen wandering with their luggag

BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has endorsed Pierre Poilievre, alleging that Liberal policies have undermined BC’s immigration system over the past decade. Rustad vowed to reclaim control of immigration from Ottawa during the BC provincial election. With the federal election underway, Rustad emphasized that BC residents have a chance to reform the immigration system by electing a Conservative government led by Poilievre. The BC opposition leader also expressed his support for Poilievre’s vision for Canada. Rustad called for an end to the Liberals’ immigration policies, claiming