B.C. Conservative MLA John Rustad says he will not enter the party’s leadership race, ending speculation about a possible return bid. Rustad’s statement was posted on X on Feb. 15, 2026. He said the decision followed “a lot of reflection,” thanked his wife for her support, and expressed gratitude to supporters who had indicated they were prepared to back him in a leadership campaign. Rustad said stepping aside was a decision made in the interest of party unity, and pledged to support the next leader chosen by party members. Connect Newsroom has contacted the B.C. Conservative Party for

Vancouver Police say a 41-year-old man is in custody following a series of incidents in East Vancouver on Wednesday afternoon that involved a stolen motorcycle, a damaged work truck, and a small vehicle fire. According to investigators, the sequence began shortly before 1:50 p.m. on February 12, when a motorcycle was reported stolen near Main Street and Industrial Avenue. About an hour later, the motorcycle was found abandoned near Mountain View Cemetery, in the area of Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue. Police allege the suspect then entered a work truck parked inside the cemetery grounds, d

A four-day coordinated enforcement operation on Vancouver Island has led to multiple arrests, drug seizures and the removal of weapons, as police agencies worked together to disrupt organized crime activity in the region. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia conducted the deployment from January 29 to February 1, partnering with West Shore RCMP, Saanich Police Department and Victoria Police Department. The initiative focused on gang-related activity and intelligence-led enforcement aimed at reducing the availability of illegal drugs and preventing violence. During t

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and B.C. Conservative Leader Harman Bhangu issued statements following the fatal shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. As per RCMP public updates, the officers responded to a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10, 2026 and issued a public alert as police responded. RCMP later said investigators were continuing to process scenes as the investigation continued. In an official statement posted by the City of Surrey, Locke said Surrey stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Tumbler Ridge community. She described the

Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered flags on all federal buildings and institutions to be flown at half-mast for seven days following a deadly mass shooting in northeastern British Columbia that left 10 people dead, including the suspect. The attacks took place Tuesday in the small community of Tumbler Ridge. According to the RCMP, the suspect is believed to have first killed two people at a private residence before going to a local school, where several others were shot in what police have described as one of the most serious mass shootings in recent Canadian history. Investigators have sa

Tumbler Ridge RCMP say multiple people are dead and others injured after a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called at about 1:20 p.m. after a report of an active shooter and issued a Police Initiated Public Alert. The alert was cancelled at 5:45 p.m. after officers determined there were no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the public. RCMP say an individual believed to be the shooter was found dead inside the school with what appears to be a self inflicted injury. Six other people were found dead in the school. Two victims were airlifted

A Surrey driver is facing steep fines, a vehicle impound and long-term insurance penalties after B.C. Highway Patrol officers allege he was travelling at nearly three times the posted speed limit on the Alex Fraser Bridge. In a news release, B.C. Highway Patrol said officers stopped a 51-year-old driver on Feb. 4, 2026 after a Lamborghini Urus was observed moving significantly faster than surrounding traffic shortly after 8:00 p.m. Police said a laser speed reader recorded the vehicle at 197 km/h in a 70 km/h zone while northbound over the Delta span. Police said the driver received violation

Two men are facing criminal charges after Vancouver Police say a loss prevention officer was assaulted during an attempted retail theft in East Vancouver earlier this week. Police were called shortly before 8:40 a.m. on February 2 to a store near Glen Drive and Terminal Avenue, where officers say two suspects used bear spray on an employee while trying to flee on foot with unpaid merchandise. The victim did not require hospital treatment, according to police. An extensive search of the surrounding area followed, involving patrol officers, a police drone, and a canine unit. The suspects were lo

Homicide investigators in Abbotsford say a 26-year-old man is now charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 30-year-old woman whose body was discovered inside a local hotel last month. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says Sondeep Singh Gill was initially charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was upgraded following additional investigative work and a review of the evidence. Gill also faces a separate charge of indignity to human remains. Police were first called to the hotel after patrol officers received reports of suspicious circumstances. Inves