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b-c-s-fiscal-update-projects-deficit-dip-but-does-not-include-flood-mudslide-costs
BCNov 22, 2021

B.C.'s fiscal update projects deficit dip but does not include flood, mudslide costs

British Columbia's finance minister says the province's economy was on track toward a strong economic rebound in its latest financial results to the end of September, but uncertainties remain, especially stemming from the damage caused by recent floods and mudslides. Selina Robinson says the province will factor in the cleanup costs associated with the disastrous floods and mudslides that hit communities, highways and railways in February's budget. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth hasn't been able to provide an estimate on last week's damage other than to say it would be a huge cost for the p
b-c-officials-warn-of-storm-expected-to-hit-the-province
BCNov 22, 2021

B.C. officials warn of storm expected to hit the province

Environment Canada is warning that another rain storm is headed for British Columbia's North Coast.The national forecaster says a second atmospheric river will bring heavy rains to the province for a second weekend in a row.More than 100 millimeters of rain are expected for Haida Gwaii, with the storm then expected to move south to already hard-hit regions on Monday and Tuesday.Environment Canada says flooding and landslides could occur in northern B.C. as a result of the heavy rain.Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the government is keeping a close eye on areas that are dealing with
b-c-reports-468-new-cases-and-9-deaths
BCNov 19, 2021

B.C. reports 468 new cases and 9 deaths

B.C. is reporting 468 new cases of COVID-19, including five epi-linked cases, for a total of 214,150 cases in the province.There are 3,345 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 208,284 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 355 individuals are currently in hospital and 110 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.In the last 24 hours, nine new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,290.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: fiveInterior Health: oneNorthern Health: twoIsland Health: oneFrom Nov. 10-16, peo
if-needed-thousands-of-canadian-armed-forces-personnel-are-on-standby-to-help-flood-ravaged-bc-anita-anand
BCNov 19, 2021

If needed thousands of Canadian Armed Forces personnel are on standby to help flood-ravaged BC: Anita Anand

Defence Minister Anita Anand says if needed thousands of Canadian Armed Forces personnel are on standby to help flood-ravaged BC. She says the military can provide both air and ground support if the province asks for that help, as well as officers who are expert in planning and logistics. She says soldiers are ready to help BC get through this crisis. Anand says the Canadian military is already supporting search and rescue efforts and has rescued more than 300 stranded motorists and nearly 30 family pets. Anand says in the 48 hours before a formal request for help, the Canadian military wa
bc-government-is-offering-aid-to-eligible-bc-residents-affected-by-recent-floods-or-landslides
BCNov 18, 2021

BC government is offering aid to eligible BC residents affected by recent floods or landslides

The BC government is offering aid to eligible BC residents whose homes, properties or businesses have been affected by recent floods or landslides. The Public Safety Ministry says disaster financial assistance is available for residents in the southwest, central and southeastern parts of the province. The ministry says homeowners, residential tenants, business owners, local governments, Indigenous communities, farmers and charitable organizations that could not get insurance to cover disaster-related losses can receive up to 80 per cent of eligible damage, to a maximum of 300,000 dollars. Cla
mayor-of-abbotsford-talking-with-washington-state-governor-flooding-in-area-at-least-partially-caused-by-swollen-rivers-in-the-us
BCNov 18, 2021

Mayor of Abbotsford talking with Washington state Governor; flooding in area at least partially caused by swollen rivers in the US

The mayor of Abbotsford, BC is talking with Washington state Governor Jay Inslee today as the two discuss severe flooding on the Canadian side of the border. The flooding was at least partially caused by swollen rivers in the US. Mayor Henry Braun says Inslee's office reached out to him as the Nooksak River in Washington state continues to send torrents of water into BC. Braun says he's not worried about the rain coming today, but he's concerned about the amount of precipitation expected early next week.
about-40-people-defying-an-evacuation-order-in-abbotsford
BCNov 18, 2021

About 40 people defying an evacuation order in Abbotsford

About 40 people are defying an evacuation order for the Sumas Prairie region of Abbotsford, BC. Police Chief Mike Serr (SEER) says water levels are fluctuating and it's still a potentially life-threatening situation. Not only that, he says people who won't leave are potentially putting the lives of first-responders in danger if they eventually do need rescuing. Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun says there is an urgent need to repair broken dikes in the Fraser Valley because the forecast calls for another 80 to 100 millimetres of rain starting Tuesday.
first-group-of-canadian-armed-forces-personnel-arrives-in-b-c
BCNov 18, 2021

First group of Canadian Armed Forces personnel arrives in B.C.

The first group of Canadian Armed Forces personnel has arrived in British Columbia to assist with flooding and landslide rescues and recovery. A statement from the Canadian Joint Operations Command Centre says nine members from Edmonton's Third Canadian Division Immediate Response Unit are now in the province to plan and co-ordinate ongoing relief efforts. The statement says the exact size of the expected contingent isn't yet available but it says armed forces members have been ``identified and placed on high readiness to respond.'' A Hercules aircraft arrived in Edmonton last night and is st
abbotsfords-flood-damage-bill-could-reach-1b-mayor-henry-braun
BCNov 18, 2021

Abbotsford's flood damage bill could reach $1B- Mayor Henry Braun

Abbotsford, B-C Mayor Henry Braun says the town's flood-damage bill could reach one-billion-dollars.Braun has spoken to both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier John Horgan and other provincial officials about the cost of rebuilding dikes, bridges, overpasses, roads and culverts.He says he has received assurances that governments will provide whatever is needed.Braun estimates about two-thousand of the 20-thousand head of cattle in the flooded area have died and says he's concerned about predictions another 100-millimetres of rain could fall on the town next week.

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csis-warns-of-chinese-and-russian-espionage-targeting-canadas-arctic-development
CanadaNov 13, 2025

CSIS warns of Chinese and Russian espionage targeting Canada’s Arctic development

Canada’s top intelligence official says foreign spies from China and Russia are actively targeting governments and companies involved in developing the country’s Arctic region. In a national security address on Thursday, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director Dan Rogers said his agency has observed sustained intelligence-gathering activities in the North, with both public institutions and private industry being approached or monitored by foreign actors. Rogers noted that non-Arctic countries, particularly China, are seeking to expand their economic and strategic presence in
suspect-arrested-after-multiple-vehicles-vandalized-in-new-westminsters-west-end
BCNov 13, 2025

Suspect arrested after multiple vehicles vandalized in New Westminster’s West End

New Westminster police say a man has been arrested following a string of property damage incidents that left at least 14 vehicles and two businesses with smashed windows in the city’s West End earlier this week. Officers first responded to the 1500 block of Dublin Street around 11:45 p.m. on November 11 after receiving a report of a car alarm. The vehicle’s owner found the window broken, and witnesses later reported a person on a bicycle damaging other vehicles in the area. Despite an initial search, police were unable to locate the suspect that night. About two hours later, officers were
ottawa-moves-closer-to-expanding-citizenship-rights-for-canadians-born-abroad
CanadaNov 13, 2025

Ottawa moves closer to expanding citizenship rights for Canadians born abroad

Canada is nearing a major reform to its citizenship laws that could restore and extend rights to thousands of people born outside the country. Bill C-3, which cleared the House of Commons on November 5 and passed second reading in the Senate the following day, is now scheduled for detailed study by a Senate committee on November 17. The proposed legislation aims to broaden citizenship by descent, addressing long-standing gaps that left many children of Canadian parents without automatic citizenship due to restrictive provisions in past laws. If passed, the bill would also make it easier for in
surrey-home-hit-by-second-extortion-linked-shooting-police-say
CanadaNov 13, 2025

Surrey home hit by second extortion-linked shooting, police say

Surrey RCMP are investigating after a home in the city’s south end was struck by gunfire for the second time in what investigators believe is an extortion-related attack. Police say officers responded to reports of shots fired around 7:35 p.m. Wednesday near 32 Avenue. No one was injured, but investigators confirmed the same residence had previously been targeted. Authorities say the case remains in its early stages and that officers are working with specialized units and partner agencies to determine whether the incident is connected to other recent extortion-related shootings across Metro
IndiaNov 13, 2025

Punjab Government Makes Approval Mandatory for Sarpanches and Panch Members to Travel Abroad

The Punjab government has introduced a new policy requiring village sarpanches and panchayat members to obtain official approval before travelling abroad. The Rural Development and Panchayats Department has circulated instructions to all District Development and Panchayat Officers as well as Additional Deputy Commissioners across the state to ensure implementation. According to the directive, many elected representatives from panchayati raj institutions often travel overseas for personal reasons, which can delay or disrupt ongoing development work in villages. To prevent such administrative sl