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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.

Just In

CanadaSep 17, 2026

Canada Must Focus on Value-Added Products Instead of Raw Materials: EDC

Amid the federal government’s efforts to open up new markets, Export Development Canada (EDC) said in a report released Thursday that Canada needs to invest in processing raw materials domestically and turning them into higher-value products instead of exporting them in their raw form. EDC CEO Alison Nankivell said such investments could add nearly $100 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next decade. The report used yellow peas as an example. While exporting raw peas may generate about $30 per tonne, processing them into flour can raise the value to $300 per tonne. Turning them into products
16-arrested-in-abbotsford-retail-theft-operation-project-pumpkin-spice
BCSep 17, 2026

16 Arrested in Abbotsford Retail Theft Operation ‘Project Pumpkin Spice’

Abbotsford Police have arrested 16 people accused of shoplifting as part of Project Pumpkin Spice, a retail crime enforcement operation conducted on Sept. 11 as part of a nationwide campaign. According to police, 11 officers from the Abbotsford Police Department’s Street Outreach Response Team worked with 20 local businesses during the 10-hour operation. Sgt. Paul Walker said several of those arrested had previous criminal records and outstanding warrants. Police recovered more than $1,600 worth of stolen merchandise during the operation. A vehicle allegedly used in the offences was also sei
b-c-municipalities-urge-eby-to-hold-provincial-election-after-local-vote
BCSep 17, 2026

B.C. Municipalities Urge Eby to Hold Provincial Election After Local Vote

British Columbia’s political scene is heating up amid signals from Premier David Eby that an early provincial election could be called. Amid the uncertainty, Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cory Ramsay is calling for any potential mid-term provincial election to be held only after the municipal elections are completed. Ramsay noted that local elections are scheduled for Oct. 17, with campaigning beginning Sept. 19 across 188 communities. He warned that calling a provincial election during the municipal campaign could distract more than 3,500 local candidates and residents from key iss
police-take-major-action-in-burnaby-hospital-fire-case-after-six-year-investigation
BCSep 17, 2026

Police Take Major Action in Burnaby Hospital Fire Case After Six-Year Investigation

Police have charged a 29-year-old Alberta man in connection with a fire at Burnaby Hospital in 2020, following an investigation that lasted nearly six years. Burnaby RCMP said the B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges against Yu Yun Wang on September 8, including arson and endangering human life. The fire broke out on November 15, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the hospital’s mental health services wing. The blaze caused millions of dollars in damage, forced the emergency department to close and led to the evacuation of patients. Police said the suspect was identified in 2023 aft
AlbertaSep 17, 2026

Alberta Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Assaults on Vulnerable Women

An Alberta man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults against vulnerable women at a rural property near Calgary. Richard Robert Mantha, 62, was convicted of six offences, including drugging one of his victims, in incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2023. He was also found guilty of uttering threats against another woman. The court heard that most of the victims worked in the sex trade. Justice Judith Shriar said Mantha showed “callous disrespect” when he laughed as one terrified victim fled his rural property, fearing for her life. Mantha received cre