British Columbia’s political leaders spent Wednesday outlining their visions for the province’s future during a day that mixed debate, policy talk, and controversy - all closely watched by voters in key battlegrounds like Surrey. Premier and NDP Leader David Eby, B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad, and Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau took part in a one-hour debate on Vancouver’s CKNW radio before meeting business representatives at a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event. The Board also released findings from its 2024 provincial election survey, which highlighted affordability, hou

Vancouver police have opened a hate crime investigation following a violent clash between opposing groups during a protest over the war in the Middle East. Police said the confrontation occurred Sunday night outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, where demonstrators gathered expressing differing views on the conflict involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. According to investigators, a 34-year-old woman was assaulted, knocked to the ground, and subjected to antisemitic slurs. She required medical attention for her injuries. Police said the suspect fled into the crowd, but officers later arrested a

B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau is set to hold a news conference in Victoria this morning as the second week of the provincial election campaign continues. The Greens have already detailed several key commitments, including a plan to create a network of 93 community health centres across the province and to provide coverage for six annual mental health visits under the Medical Services Plan. The party has also pledged to maintain the carbon tax while expanding the size of the climate rebate for residents. All three major party leaders are expected to meet face-to-face on Wednesday for

British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby says his government would fast-track factory-built homes as part of its strategy to ease the province's housing crisis. At an election campaign stop on Vancouver Island, Eby says pre-built homes cut waste, reduce emissions, and the advances in the industry mean the homes are "beautiful and high-quality." A statement issued by the NDP says its government would work with the industry, municipalities and First Nations to create a provincewide framework so builders know what's required in every community. It says there would also be a pre-approved set of const

Tactical evacuations are underway outside the B.C. southern Interior town of Grand Forks, as an out-of-control wildfire in Washington state surges north and threatens to cross the border. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says the evacuations are taking place west of Grand Forks as embers from the Goosmus wildfire shower the area. Emergency Info BC says evacuation orders posted Wednesday are in place for west of Highway 41 and south of Highway 3, as well as properties west of Highway 3 from Sleepy Hollow Rd to Phoenix Rd. It says residents need to evacuate immediately because the fire

British Columbia's New Democrats and Conservatives issued their plans for the mining industry while campaigning in the province's resource-rich communities. Both NDP Leader David Eby and Conservative Leader John Rustad say they will support the industry by improving permitting, with the NDP committing to permit review timelines and the Conservatives proposing "One Project, One Permit." In Terrace, Eby said an NDP government would upgrading key highway infrastructure in the northwest, while Rustad in Kimberley, in the southeast, said his government would invest in gaps in rural infrastructure.

Metro Vancouver grain workers strike has raised concerns about food supply chain. The strike could be a major blow to the economy and the food supply chain, with more than half of all Canadian-grown grain moving through Metro Vancouver terminals. The association that includes Metro Vancouver grain terminals says the union for grain workers at ports waited out the clock to strike at a time they have the most leverage. Association says the employers the strike is happening during the fall wheat harvest after many months of negotiations. A University of Guelph food economist says the union for

The union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver has voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with TransDev. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 voted Monday to ratify the deal, which it says includes increased wages for workers. About 600 HandyDART employees started strike action in early September, pausing service except for essential medical trips. ATU Local 1724 President Joe McCann says the strike showed the power of the union, and ratifying the contract is great for union members. The union also says the new contract with TransDev pushes back on the use of taxis

Picket lines have gone up at six grain terminals in Metro Vancouver as workers began a strike. More than 600 workers represented by Grain Workers Union Local 333 are off the job. Union president Douglas Lea-Smith says the employer need to come back to the bargaining table to negotiate a deal. The union says it provided the employer with a "comprehensive package" last Thursday and the next day, the association indicated it had no counter offer. A statement issued by the Vancouver Terminal Elevators Association says it concluded conciliation with the union with assistance from the Federal Media