BCApr 16, 2021
P.1 variant likely highest in B.C. due to more testing for it: Dr. Bonnie Henry
British Columbia's provincial health officer says the province likely has the largest proportion of COVID-19 cases involving the variant first identified in Brazil, but that's partly because it is testing more for that strain. Dr. Bonnie Henry says the Vancouver Coastal region is leading all other health authorities with about 70 per cent of P.1 variant cases because of a large number of cases linked to the resort town of Whistler. She says that overall, just under 60 per cent of daily cases involve variants, including the one first associated with South Africa, though those cases are negligi
BCApr 15, 2021
Man wanted in connection with thirteen counts of fraud: Surrey RCMP
Surrey RCMP is looking for the public’s assistance to locate a man who is wanted in connection with multiple frauds. This investigation began after Surrey RCMP Frontline officers responded to a number of reports of fraud between November 6, 2020 and December 24, 2020, where victims lost a combined total of $10,635. The frauds occurred at various financial institutions. In each occurrence, victims were allegedly approached by a man who claimed to be in dire need of money, who requested their help. Victims were asked to deposit a cheque into their account through an ATM, and to withdraw funds
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
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
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
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
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
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