Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement marking Bandi Chhor Divas:"Today, Sikh communities throughout British Columbia and around the world will celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas."This is a day of prayer, contemplation and joy for the Sikh community, as families and friends exchange sweets, and light up their homes and gurdwaras."The holiday celebrates the story of the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Guru, from prison. According to Sikh history, the Guru refused liberation for himself unless 52 innocent kings and princes, also held captive, were freed with him. His devotion

The B.C. government has announced a program to help reduce violence against health-care workers at 26 hospitals and mental health facilities across the province. Health Minister Adrian Dix says 320 protection service officers and 14 people tasked with preventing violence will be hired to enhance the safety of nurses and other health-care staff as well as patients and the public.He says that since the summer of 2021, over 4,400 reported incidents of violence have occurred, resulting in about $7 million in employee time-loss claims, but the impact on workers can't be quantified in dollars.The BC

Langley RCMP is seeking the assistance of the public to locate Jasvinder Virring. Jassvinder is a 62 year old man from the Willoughby area of Langley. He is described as South Asian, 5/7" tall, 230 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a 6" white beard, wears a black turban and is wearing a green long sleeve shirt and black pants. He is new to and unfamiliar with the area and left his home on foot just after 7:00 this morning. Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue has been deployed to assist with the search. If you have information that might assist with the search for Jasvinder

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victim of the Thursday night shooting in Willoughby. Background: On October 20, 2022, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the Langley RCMP received multiple calls of shots fired in the 7700-block of 211B Street. Officers attended and located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life saving efforts from first responders, the victim succumbed to his injuries. At 11:23 p.m., Langley RCMP received reports of a vehicle fire in the area of 232 Street and 76A Avenue. The burning vehicle, a Ford F-150, matched the descr

David Eby is officially the leader of BC's New Democratic Party. There was no fanfare, a party official says Eby assumed the leadership at 9:30 this morning, just before he gave an address in Vancouver, his first as premier-designate, laying out his plans for the next 100 days. Eby says his goal is to use the skills he learned during his years working as a lawyer on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, listening to people, hearing them and delivering what they wanted. Eby says his immediate goals are to focus on public safety, housing, health care and climate change.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has arrested three men in the homicide of Vishal Walia on October 17, 2022 on the University Endowment Lands, with charges approved the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS). Background: On October 17, 2022 at 9:49 a.m., University RCMP received reports of a shooting at the University Golf Club, located in the 5100-block of University Boulevard on the University Endowment Lands. Officers attended and located Vishal Walia suffering from fatal gun shot wounds. At 10:02 a.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the laneway located in the 4000-block of W 20th A

Surrey RCMP is encouraging residents to make safety a priority throughout upcoming celebrations and festivities in October. Diwali and Halloween are quickly approaching, which often leads to an increased number of calls for service to police and bylaws. Traditionally a large number of the reports involve noise concerns, fireworks, and parking complaints.As per City bylaws, fireworks are not permitted to be used in Surrey without a permit granted by the Surrey Fire Service Fire Prevention Branch. Go to the City of Surrey website to learn how to obtain Fireworks Permits and additional informatio

Surrey RCMP is advising the public of shots fired into a residence in Newton area and seeking public help in identifying the suspect vehicle. On October 20, 2022 at 09:13 a.m. Surrey RCMP received a report of bullet holes in a residential fence in the 14100-block of 72 Avenue. Officers attended the scene and located holes in a fence as well damage to the exterior of a residence. Upon further investigation officers learned that the shooting occurred on October 19, 2022 around 9:00 a.m.. CCTV footage was obtained from the area and a photo of the suspect vehicle is being disseminated for identif

Two people have been found dead in Saanich, B.C., and police in the Vancouver Island municipality say the homicides appear to be connected.One man is in custody. Police say the public is not believed to be at risk.A statement from the Saanich Police Department says its officers are working with major crime investigators.An area of the Uptown neighbourhood was behind police tape on Wednesday.Officers stayed there for most of the day and a spokesman said more information could be released later.