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cbsa-disrupts-smuggling-attempt-after-discovering-64-bricks-of-suspected-cocaine
BCApr 15, 2021

CBSA disrupts smuggling attempt after discovering 64 bricks of suspected cocaine

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) continues to address risks and threats at the border to keep our communities safe. Today, the CBSA announced that border services officers seized 64 bricks of suspected cocaine in the Pacific Highway District. On March 18, 2021, a commercial driver entered Canada in a tractor-trailer carrying personal care products. During the secondary examination, border services officers used a wide range of detection tools and technology to inspect the goods, and noticed anomalies. Border services officers unloaded the trailer, found
BCApr 15, 2021

Surrey RCMP investigate targeted shooting at Whalley motel

Surrey RCMP is currently investigating a shooting that occurred overnight at a motel in Whalley. On April 14, 2021 at approximately 11:38 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a shooting at a motel in the 9400-block of King George Boulevard. Frontline officers located a thirty-eight year old man suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was transported to the hospital with a serious injury. The Surrey RCMP Major Crime Section has taken conduct of the investigation. Although this investigation is in its early stages, the initial indications are that this was a targeted shooting. The victim
vpd-investigation-leads-to-charges-in-stalking-case
BCApr 15, 2021

VPD investigation leads to charges in stalking case

A Vancouver Police investigation has led to approved criminal charges in an alleged stalking case. The charges were approved by BC Prosecution Service on Wednesday. "This case generated significant attention on social media and in the mainstream news after a video was posted online last month," says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. "We understand the incident caused anxiety in the community, and we’re pleased with the outcome of the investigation." Vancouver Police began investigating after a woman posted a video to social media and reported to police that she had been followed by a man while
BCApr 15, 2021

Hospice services return to Delta, B.C., as facility reopens after lengthy fight

Hospice services are once again available locally to residents of Delta, B.C., as Fraser Health officially opens the Irene Thomas Hospice. The launch ends a bitter and lengthy battle between the province and a provincially funded society that formerly operated the hospice, but refused to provide medical assistance in dying. Members of the former Delta Hospice Society objected on religious grounds to a requirement to offer medically assisted deaths, prompting legal action, removal of provincial funding and an order for the society to vacate the facility. Fraser Health took possession of the 10
hospitalizations-due-to-covid-19-reach-new-record-of-397-in-b-c
BCApr 15, 2021

Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 reach new record of 397 in B.C.

British Columbia health officials are strongly encouraging everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to get one as hospitalizations linked to the disease reached a new record. The province confirmed 1,168 new cases and six more deaths Wednesday. There are 397 people in hospital, 120 of whom are in intensive care. Almost 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in B.C., 87,820 of which are second doses. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix say in a joint statement that everyone 55 and older is now eligible to get a shot. They also
7-024-people-died-from-illicit-drug-overdoses-since-the-public-health-emergency-declared-in-b-c
BCApr 14, 2021

7,024 people died from illicit drug overdoses since the public health emergency declared in B.C.

There are calls for more action on safe drug supplies and recovery programs from British Columbia's chief coroner and the top doctor as the province marks the fifth anniversary of the overdose crisis. Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says 7,024 people have died from illicit drug overdoses since the public health emergency was declared in April 2016 and expanded treatment options are needed immediately. She says illicit drug overdoses now rank as the fourth highest cause of death in B-C, with 43 being the average age of people dying of overdoses. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says gove
wedding-host-business-owners-fined-in-surrey-b-c-for-breaking-covid-19-orders
BCApr 14, 2021

Wedding host, business owners fined in Surrey, B.C., for breaking COVID-19 orders

Nearly $17,000 in fines have been handed out by RCMP in Surrey, B.C., in the last week to a growing number of people who police say are ignoring COVID-19 health orders. RCMP say in a statement that most of the fines were issued over large gatherings, including a $2,300 fine for the host of a wedding where 22 people attended against the provincial health officer's orders. Sgt. Tyler Wickware, with Surrey RCMP's COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team, says officers have seen the number of people and businesses ignoring the health orders "creeping up." Mounties say the majority of the fines an
bc-marks-five-years-since-overdoses-were-declared-a-public-health-emergency
BCApr 14, 2021

BC marks five years since overdoses were declared a public health emergency

BC marks five years since overdoses were declared a public health emergency. Sheila Malcolmson, mental health and addictions minister, says COVID-19 has had a large impact on people who use drugs. She says the government is committed to decriminalization. But advocates say the government needs to take decisive action. Sheila Malcolmson on Twitter: We are committed to turning this crisis around, before the pandemic, we were making progress and we can and will get back on track until one day, toxic drug poisonings will be something in our past.
BCApr 14, 2021

B.C. COVID-19 in-dining restrictions to be extended through to May: industry group

The B.C. Restaurants and Food Association says it has been told that current health orders restricting in-person dining will be extended beyond next Monday's deadline.The group says they had a meeting with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry Tuesday, who indicated that the health order would run through to May.It says the continued high number of daily cases and the province's desire to have restrictions in place limiting socialization and gathering indoors was given as the reason.B.C. Premier John Horgan said Tuesday that further COVID-19 restrictions may be on the way. He said his ca

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AlbertaFeb 18, 2026

Alberta petition to end public funding for private schools fails to meet signature threshold

A citizen-led petition calling on the Alberta government to end public funding for accredited private schools has fallen short of the number of signatures required to trigger further legislative consideration. In a statement released Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure confirmed that just over 124,000 Albertans signed the initiative petition. Under provincial rules, organizers needed approximately 177,000 valid signatures to meet the threshold set out in Alberta’s citizen initiative legislation. The petition was launched by Calgary teacher Alicia Taylor. It asked voters whether t
WorldFeb 18, 2026

Fireworks shop explosion in central China leaves 12 dead, investigation underway

A powerful explosion at a fireworks retail shop in central China has left 12 people dead, according to local authorities. The blast occurred Wednesday in the city of Xiangyang, located in Hubei province. Officials said the explosion triggered a large fire that destroyed an area of roughly 50 square metres around the store. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the blast was reported. Firefighters brought the flames under control after several hours of rescue efforts. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion and an investigation is ongoing. Ind
alberta-premier-to-deliver-televised-address-one-week-before-provincial-budget
FeaturedFeb 18, 2026

Alberta premier to deliver televised address one week before provincial budget

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she will address Albertans in a televised speech on Thursday, one week before the province’s 2026 budget is tabled in the legislature. Smith made the announcement during an unrelated news conference in Calgary but did not provide details on what topics she intends to cover. A spokesperson for the Premier’s Office said further information about the address would be released at a later time. The speech comes ahead of Finance Minister Nate Horner’s scheduled budget presentation on Feb. 26. The government has already signalled that the fiscal plan will ref
alberta-to-invest-400-million-dollars-in-new-water-bombers-to-modernize-wildfire-fleet
AlbertaFeb 18, 2026

Alberta to invest 400 million dollars in new water bombers to modernize wildfire fleet

The Alberta government says it will spend 400 million dollars to strengthen its aging fleet of water bombers, part of a long term strategy to address increasingly severe wildfire seasons across the province. Premier Danielle Smith announced the agreement with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, which is expected to deliver the first of five new aircraft in 2031. The remaining planes will be phased in over subsequent years. Smith said the investment is separate from the roughly 160 million dollars Alberta allocates annually for wildfire response operations. The province has faced longer and more d
prime-minister-mark-carney-to-visit-richmond-and-vancouver-for-community-events-and-party
CanadaFeb 18, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney to Visit Richmond and Vancouver for Community Events and Party

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit British Columbia today, with stops in Richmond and Vancouver focused on community engagement and Liberal Party activities. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney will join members of the local community in Richmond to take part in Lunar New Year celebrations, an event that draws significant participation from the region’s large Chinese Canadian population. Richmond is home to one of the largest Asian communities in Canada, and Lunar New Year events are considered an important cultural and civic gathering across Metro Vancouver. Lat