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BCMay 31, 2021

B.C. RCMP notify the IIO BC of an incident in Prince George

The BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident in Prince George where one man sustained serious injuries.Shortly before 7:00 AM on Monday May 31st, 2021, a frontline officer of the Prince George RCMP was conducting an investigation in the area of 15th Avenue and Victoria Street in Prince George.During the course of the investigation a physical altercation ensured between the police officer and male suspect. During the altercation the officer discharged their firearm striking the man. Officers provided first aid and Emergency Health Se
shots-fired-at-newton-residence
BCMay 31, 2021

Shots fired at Newton residence

Surrey RCMP is investigating an incident where shots were fired at a residence in the Newton area. On May 31, 2021, at approximately 1:00 am Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a mischief to a window in the 13500 block of 64A Avenue. Upon arrival and further investigation, it was determined that shots were fired at the residence. No persons were injured and the motive of the shooting is still under investigation. Based on the initial investigation there is nothing to suggest that there is any link to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict. Investigators will be in the area today conducting furthe
b-c-s-lowest-paid-workers-to-get-a-pay-boost
BCMay 31, 2021

B.C.'s lowest paid workers to get a pay boost

On June 1, 2021, B.C.'s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost, with the general minimum wage increasing to $15.20 an hour and the lower discriminatory minimum wage for liquor servers ending.Over the past four years, B.C.'s general minimum wage has increased from $11.35 to $15.20 per hour. It has benefited close to 400,000 British Columbians over those years - the majority of whom are women, immigrants and youth."In 2017, our government made a commitment to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by June 2021, through regular, measured and predictable increases," said Harry Bains, Minister
two-people-in-hospital-after-a-boat-fire-in-pitt-lake
BCMay 31, 2021

Two people in hospital after a boat fire in Pitt Lake

Two people are in hospital after a fire on a boat in Pitt Lake. One of the injured is in critical condition. Emergency Health Services says crews were called to the Grand Narrows boat launch yesterday afternoon after reports of an explosion. One person was airlifted to hospital while the other was transported by ambulance. Video from the scene shows a small motorboat engulfed in flames and thick black smoke pouring out.
b-c-health-officials-report-outbreak-of-covid-19-at-long-term-care-in-surrey
BCMay 29, 2021

B.C. health officials report outbreak of COVID-19 at long-term care in Surrey

British Columbia health officials say COVID-19 is still spreading with new cases and clusters as the province begins to reopen in a four-step plan. In a news release, they say it is important to get vaccinated while maintaining social distance and using masks to stay safe during this period of transition. Officials say there has been a COVID-19 outbreak at a long-term care facility, Brookside Lodge in Surrey, where one resident and a staff member have tested positive. The province reported 317 new cases of the infection for a total of 143,581. They also reported two more deaths, brining the n
male-and-female-linked-to-gangs-arrested-while-in-possession-of-a-loaded-handgun
BCMay 28, 2021

Male and female linked to gangs arrested while in possession of a loaded handgun

A Male and female were arrested in the Richmond area when a loaded firearm was seized by officers with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s (CFSEU-BC’s) Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET). On the evening of May 21, 2021, CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team were conducting proactive enforcement patrols in the Richmond area when they noticed a male and female exiting a local establishment. UGET officers quickly recognized the male as being an individual involved in the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict. UGET officers approached the male and female who were detained for
additional-10-million-funding-to-support-sexual-assault-survivors
BCMay 28, 2021

Additional $10 million funding to support sexual assault survivors

The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) is receiving an additional $10 million to assist more community-based sexual assault response service programs throughout the Province."Sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence have devastating impacts on survivors, and that's why government is committed to prioritizing services and supports for those impacted," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "The success of the first round of this grant program was exceptional, and I'm happy we're able to provide further support for EVA BC to administer more g
first-nations-toxic-drug-deaths-doubled-during-the-pandemic-in-2020
BCMay 28, 2021

First Nations toxic drug deaths doubled during the pandemic in 2020

BC's First Nations Health Authority says Indigenous people accounted for nearly 15 per cent of all toxic drug deaths last year although they represent only 3.3 per cent of the province's total population. Deputy chief medical officer Doctor Nel Wieman says 254 Indigenous people died from toxic drugs last year, a nearly 120 per cent increase from 2019. She says the death rate began to rise after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a public health emergency. The pandemic has led to the closure of the border with the US, which officials say disrupted the usual flow of illicit drugs, prompting the
BCMay 28, 2021

Remains of 215 children found at former residential school in British Columbia

The remains of 215 children have been found buried on the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Chief Rosanne Casimir of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation says in a news release that the remains were confirmed last weekend with the help of a ground-penetrating radar specialist.Casimir calls the discovery an ``unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.''She says it's believed the deaths are undocumented, although a local museum archivist is working with the Royal British Columbia Museum to see if any records of t

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richmond-rcmp-officer-charged-with-theft-and-breach-of-trust
BCJun 05, 2026

Richmond RCMP officer charged with theft and breach of trust

A Richmond RCMP officer has been charged with theft and breach of trust following an independent police investigation into an alleged incident that occurred on Christmas Day last year. According to the BC Prosecution Service, Const. Jae Suk Choi of the Richmond RCMP has been charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of breach of trust by a public officer. The charges follow an investigation conducted by Coquitlam RCMP. Authorities said the matter relates to an alleged incident in Richmond on Dec. 25, 2025. No further details about the allegations have been released publicly. C
CanadaJun 05, 2026

Vancouver airport expands biometric boarding ahead of FIFA World Cup travel surge

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has expanded its use of biometric boarding technology as it prepares for increased passenger volumes during the FIFA World Cup. According to airport officials, 42 biometric boarding gates are now operating across the airport. The technology is expected to speed up the boarding process by approximately 13 per cent, helping reduce wait times for travellers. The airport has also introduced new CT screening technology at security checkpoints. Under the upgraded system, passengers will no longer be required to remove liquids and large electronic devices from th
grocery-benefit-top-up-payments-begin-for-eligible-canadians
CanadaJun 05, 2026

Grocery benefit top-up payments begin for eligible Canadians

Eligible Canadians are expected to begin receiving one-time federal grocery benefit top-up payments starting today as part of the Liberal government's affordability measures. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, previously known as the GST/HST credit, provides support to lower-income households to help offset rising living costs. The federal government says payments will be issued automatically to qualifying recipients through direct deposit or by mail. According to the federal government, approximately 12 million Canadians are eligible for the one-time payment. Benefit amounts vary by
b-c-mla-jordan-kealy-charged-with-sexual-assault
BCJun 04, 2026

B.C. MLA Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

Independent B.C. legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault, according to the British Columbia Prosecution Service. The prosecution service said the charge relates to an alleged offence or offences that occurred between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20, 2024, in Fort St. John. The allegation has not been tested in court. Kealy represents the Peace River North riding in the B.C. legislature. The prosecution service said a special prosecutor was appointed following an RCMP investigation to help ensure the administration of justice remains free from any perceived improper influence. Accordin
WorldJun 04, 2026

12 killed in Sri Lanka nursing home fire; investigation underway

A fire at a nursing home in western Sri Lanka killed 12 residents and injured eight others, according to Sri Lankan police. The fire broke out late Wednesday at a care facility in the town of Anguruwatota. Police said 51 residents were rescued from the building. Police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said emergency responders attended the scene and survivors were taken to safety. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the fire. The director of the nursing home has been arrested on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence, police said. Investigators are examining the circ