BCApr 20, 2021
Residents 40 years and older to be vaccinated in a variety of neighbourhoods: Fraser Health
The Fraser Health authority says it will be vaccinating residents 40 years and older in a variety of neighbourhoods it has deemed to be high-risk for COVID-19. Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO of the health authority, says vaccinating residents in certain neighbourhoods in Surrey, North Delta and Langley will help reduce the burden being placed on hospitals due to COVID-19. Lee estimates 50 to 70 non-essential surgeries have been cancelled and hospitals in the region are at 96 per cent capacity. As of this morning, there were an estimated 229 COVID-19 patients in Fraser Health hospitals. D
BCApr 20, 2021
Former BC premier Christy Clark testifies before BC's money laundering inquiry
Former BC premier Christy Clark spent the morning testifying before BC's money laundering inquiry. Clark led the Liberal government between 2011 and 2017, a period when several NDP reports say a rapid growth in money laundering occurred in BC's casinos, real estate and luxury car industries. Clark testified she first heard about a spike in suspicious cash through BC casinos in 2015 and says her government acted quickly to implement a report recommending changes to anti-money laundering strategies. The NDP ordered inquiry is examining how money laundering flourished, and Clark says confirmatio
BCApr 20, 2021
Drugs and guns seized as part of targeted gang enforcement in Surrey
Multiple firearms and pre-packaged drugs were recently seized by the Surrey Gang Enforcement Team (SGET) during a vehicle stop in Newton, as the Surrey RCMP continues to target individuals associated with gang and drug trafficking activity.Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on April 17, 2021, SGET conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle in the area of Woodland Place and 99 Avenue. During their interactions with the driver, the officer observed a weapon inside the vehicle and subsequently detained the driver for weapons possession.Further investigation of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of s
BCApr 20, 2021
Homicide detectives in Coquitlam. B.C., after shooting in busy recreational area
One person has been shot and killed in an attack at a park in Coquitlam, B.C.The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says it happened at about 6:30 p.m. at the Town Centre skate park. It says the critically injured man died in hospital.The homicide team says no arrests have been made.The park was crowded with people enjoying a summer-like evening when the attack occurred.Police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting and hasn't yet spoken with investigators to contact the homicide team or RCMP.
BCApr 20, 2021
Premier Horgan hints at imposing strict travelling restrictions; 2,960 COVID-19 cases reported during the weekend
British Columbia will impose travel restrictions to prevent movement outside of health regions as police set up roadside checks similar to those seen during the Christmas season. Premier John Horgan says the government has been working with the tourism industry and B.C. Ferries to deter people from booking accommodation if they live outside their intended destination. Horgan says Public Safety Minster Mike Farnworth is expected to provide more details about the travel restrictions on Friday. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the COVID-19-related death of a child under the a
BCApr 19, 2021
People in BC 18 years and older invited to register to receive their COVID-19 vaccine
People in BC 18 years and older are invited this week to register to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. The Ministry of Health says more than 1.8 million people are eligible to register for vaccines this week through the province's Get Vaccinated program. The ministry says people 40 years old and older are invited to register today, with those 35 and older signing up Tuesday and 30 and older Wednesday. Those 25 and older can register Thursday and 18 and above can sign up Friday. BC Government News on Twitter: NEW: Updated COVID-19 vaccine registration schedule. Find out when it's your turn to re
BCApr 19, 2021
Wildfire fanned by winds near Merritt, B.C., prompts evacuation alert
A wildfire burning near homes in British Columbia's southern interior has prompted the first evacuation alert of B.C.'s barely three-week-old wildfire season. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued the alert for the small community of Canford and for homes in a subdivision about 12 kilometres northwest of Merritt. The BC Wildfire Service says the suspected human-caused blaze was fanned by winds after being sparked on Sunday and now covers an estimated one square kilometre. It is one of about a dozen wildfires reported Sunday from southern Vancouver Island to the Prince George and Cranbr
BCApr 19, 2021
Weekend gatherings in Vancouver prompt Vancouver mayor to warn of changing tactics
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says he has contacted the city's chief of police after several gatherings on the weekend violated COVID-19 health restrictions. In a message posted on social media, Stewart says the Vancouver Police Department will be reassessing its approach to outdoor parties. Large groups of mostly maskless people held impromptu gatherings in parks and on beaches Friday and Saturday as the first warm spell of the year created summer-like conditions. Police can issue tickets and even make arrests if they see gatherings of more than 10 people, but a police spokeswoman says offi
BCApr 19, 2021
Police investigate shooting death of man outside downtown Vancouver restaurant
Vancouver police say one man was killed in what they believe was a targeted shooting in a downtown neighbourhood.They say there have been no arrests.Police say they were called to the Coal Harbour area Saturday night after numerous 9-1-1 calls about shots fired.Const. Tania Visintin says the shooting occurred in a public area at about 8:30 p.m. outside Cardero's restaurant near the Coal Harbour Quay.She says the victim died despite efforts by police and emergency officials to save him.Visintin says the popular location of the shooting put innocent people at risk. She says the man's death is V