The leaders of the B-C Liberal and Green parties say the government's throne speech was more of the same and lacked vision. The throne speech yesterday highlighted a commitment to make health and safety through the COVID-19 pandemic the government's top priority. Kevin Falcon, the B-C Liberals' new leader, says the speech repeated previous N-D-P promises and was more of a look back than a look-ahead document. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says it acknowledged the sacrifices of British Columbians but rather than offering a vision for the future the government patted itself on the back for pas

B.C. is reporting 1,117 new cases of COVID-19, including five new epi-linked cases, for a total of 335,042 cases in the province.There are 24,372 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 306,888 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 986 COVID-positive individuals are in hospital and 146 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation. The new/active cases include:189 new cases in Fraser HealthTotal active cases: 9,711180 new cases in Vancouver Coastal HealthTotal active cases: 4,355376 new cases in Interior HealthTotal active

Today's BC Throne speech says the NDP government's top priority in the months ahead is helping to keep people safe through the rest of the pandemic. The speech outlining the government's agenda for the new session of the legislature also promises it will introduce a long-term economic plan aiming to deliver a ``fairer, greener economy.'' Specific commitments to make life more affordable include introducing a cooling-off period on home purchases and tying the minimum wage to the rate of inflation. The government says it will also move forward with reconciliation by working to implement a plan

A former women's soccer coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Canada Soccer has pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual touching. Charges against Bob Birarda were laid just over a year ago related to offences between 1988 and 2008, and he entered the guilty pleas today in provincial court in North Vancouver. Women who played for the Whitecaps or those who were being considered for Canada's under-20 squad alleged inappropriate actions by Birarda, who coached both squads before his 2008 dismissal. He originally faced six counts of sexual exploitation, two count

Staff at the federal medium security Matsqui Institution are reporting a significant seizure of drugs and other contraband. A statement from the prison says the package was found in late December containing crystal meth, fentanyl, crack cocaine, shatter - a highly addictive marijuana concentrate, pot, one phone charger and accessories. The Correctional Service of Canada says the estimated institutional value of the drugs and other items is nearly 71,000 dollars. Police are investigating how the package was delivered to the institution, who brought it and who was supposed to receive it.

British Columbia's N-D-P government is set to outline its political agenda for the coming months with a throne speech today at the legislature. The speech kicks off the next session of the house and Premier John Horgan, who recently underwent treatment for throat cancer, will be among the returning politicians. Kevin Falcon was elected leader of the B-C Liberals last weekend, but Shirley Bond will continue to perform leadership duties in the house as he tries to win a seat in a byelection. The throne speech comes two weeks ahead of the government's budget, which is expected to include a fi

On January 29th just before midnight police were patrolling the downtown neighbourhood and noticed a party in the 400 block of Front Street. The NWPD Crime Reduction Unit stayed in the area and spoke to an individual associated to the party.Inside the building, officers saw people dancing on a dance floor, open liquor, and approximately 150 guests who were not wearing masks or social distancing. The NWPD shut down the event without issue and had the crowd leave the area."This appears to have been an illegal nightclub," stated Sergeant Sanjay Kumar. "We want everyone to know that public health

B.C. is reporting 3,287 new cases of COVID-19, including three new epi-linked cases, for a total of 333,925 cases in the province: Feb. 4-5: 1,326 new cases Feb. 5-6: 1,118 new cases Feb. 6-7: 843 new cases There are 23,739 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 306,419 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 987 COVID-positive individuals are in hospital and 141 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation. The new/active cases include: 864 new cases in Fraser Health Total active cases: 9,596 440 new cases in Vancouver Coa

The new leader of the B.C. Liberal party says his predecessor is resigning his seat in Vancouver to give him a chance to run in a byelection.Kevin Falcon was elected party leader on Saturday and said his plan was to quickly seek a seat in the house.He says Andrew Wilkinson has decided to resign his seat in Vancouver-Quilchena.The NDP government has six months to call a byelection.Falcon won the leadership on the fifth ballot in a field of seven candidates.The 59-year-old former cabinet minister held a seat in Surrey from 2001 until he left politics in 2012.