Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths for March 2022:"It’s tragic that 165 people lost their lives to the toxic drug crisis in March. My heart is with the families and friends who are grieving, and my thanks to the front-line workers and peers who tried to save them. "Every life lost is a tragedy. Our government remains committed to doing what it takes to turn the tide on this crisis. Almost every week, new mental-health and substance-use supports are added

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says an automated alert system will be ready to warn British Columbia residents of spring flooding and summer wildfires but not yet for extreme heat. Alert Ready is a Canada-wide system that allows government officials to issue public safety alerts through major television and radio broadcasters, as well as compatible wireless devices. Farnworth says the system is all set for the spring thaw and will be in place by early June for wildfires. However, he says the Health Ministry is still working to determine parameters for deploying the alerts in the case o

Vancouver police say they are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 51 year old woman. Police say they found the victim suffering from stab wounds inside an apartment in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood at about 2:30 am yesterday and that she died at the scene. They say a 51 year old man has been arrested but charges have not yet been laid. Investigators say they believe the suspect and victim knew each other.

The provincial government says the Anti-Racism Data Act introduced today will help identify gaps in programs and services for Indigenous and Black people as well as others who face discrimination in BC. Premier John Horgan says the legislation is a step toward dismantling systemic racism and colonialism that have unfairly held people back when it comes to issues like education, employment and housing. He says in a statement that data collected for anti-racism purposes will shine a light on barriers that exist so the province can improve services and make life better for everyone. The governme

Victoria police have released surveillance photos of two potential witnesses to an arson fire at the home of a religious leader last month. Police say an occupant of the home suffered potentially life-threatening injuries in a deliberately set fire early on April 20th while four others escaped. They say neither of the men they are looking for is considered to be a suspect at this time. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has said gasoline was poured through the mail slot of the home of the pastor of the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, who has strongly supported the Ukrainian people follow

A teenager has been arrested after what Vancouver police say was a series of ``random and unprovoked weekend attacks.'' The 15 year old boy from Vancouver was arrested Saturday night after three people were hurt in separate assaults that evening. Police say a 57 year old man called 911 to say he was chased along the seawall near the Olympic Village by the teen, who repeatedly punched and kicked him. While searching for the suspect, police say officers encountered two other victims, both women, who said they had been punched for no reason. Based on the witnesses' evidence, officers located the

The sexual assault trial of BC rocker Jacob Hoggard is underway in a Toronto courtroom after long delays because of the pandemic. Hoggard, the frontman for the Abbotsford-based pop rock band Hedley, has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault causing bodily harm and sexual interference related to allegations involving a woman and a teenager in the Toronto area in 2016. Hoggard was in court today as the judge heard several procedural matters and set jury selection to begin Wednesday, with the trial now expected to run five or six weeks. Hedley was dropped by its management team and blacklisted by

Fire has damaged at least two buildings in downtown Prince Rupert. The blaze broke out just before nine last night. Photos posted by Prince Rupert Fire and Rescue show a former food store and gift shop has been gutted and the flames also damaged the neighbouring Belmont Hotel and Liquor Store. The fire department says the fire was contained by about 2 a.m. but crews remained on the scene to handle hot spots and investigate a cause.

RCMP are investigating an overnight stabbing in central Surrey. Police say a man in his 40s was stabbed several times at about 12:30 this morning. They say the unnamed victim is now in hospital listed in serious condition. Officers roped off part of a townhouse complex and the alley behind a strip mall (close to Prince Charles Boulevard and 96th Avenue) but haven't said if they have identified a motive or any suspects.