BCSep 04, 2025
Union escalates B.C. public service job action, saying no improved offer in sight
The union representing thousands of British Columbia public service workers says it is escalating job action in the dispute.
The BC General Employees' Union says pickets are being expanded today to include the Ministry of Finance office in downtown Vancouver.
It's the third day of job action by the union after a strike deadline expired on Tuesday morning.
The union is seeking improved wages and says there's no indication the provincial government's Public Service Agency is willing to get back to negotiations with an improved offer.
The BCGEU, which represents about 34,000 public service worker
BCSep 03, 2025
Phone services, including the 911 landline, down in northern Vancouver Island
Residents in parts of northern Vancouver Island are without landline and cellphone service due to what telecom provider Telus says was damage to infrastructure caused by vandalism.
The company's service status map shows both Port McNeill and Port Hardy without home phone, mobile, internet and 911 landline service due to what it says is "damage inflicted upon Telus infrastructure."
Other communities on Vancouver Island, including Alert Bay, Campbell River and Port Alice, have also been affected.
Emergency Info B.C. says on social media that residents should still try to call 911 if they have an
BCSep 03, 2025
Train cars leave the tracks in B.C.'s Kootenay region near Alberta's boundary
Federal investigators are looking into a train derailment in British Columbia's Kootenay region near the Alberta boundary.
The Transportation Safety Board says in a statement that a team is being deployed to the site near Elko, B.C., where investigators will gather information and begin to assess what caused the derailment.
A spokesman with rail operator Canadian Pacific Kansas City has confirmed the derailment at about 8 p.m. Tuesday, where multiple cars left the tracks.
CPKC says the 12 cars involved were empty and no one was injured as a result of the derailment.
It says its crews responded
BCSep 02, 2025
Provincial Forest Advisory Council launches website, engagement process
The Provincial Forest Advisory Council (PFAC or the council) has launched a new website where people in British Columbia can learn about the council's work and share their input about the future of forestry in B.C.
Announced in May 2025 by the Ministry of Forests, the council is an independent group of forestry experts tasked with developing recommendations for how to build a stronger, more stable forestry system that works for communities, the economy and the environment. The council's work will focus on understanding and articulating the underlying issues facing the forestry sector and the
BCSep 02, 2025
Female arrested after stabbing in Fort St John
28-year-old Kayla Breeze Trudeau has been taken into custody after a male was stabbed in a parking lot in Fort St John.
On August 28, 2025, at approximately 1:46 p.m. Fort St John RCMP members responded to a report that a male had been stabbed in the chest in a parking lot near 99 Avenue and 100 Street in Fort St John, BC. Responding officers blocked 99 Avenue, investigated, and identified the female suspect who was arrested within 10 minutes of the initial call to the RCMP.
The male victim was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Kayla Breeze Trudeau, who is known t
BCSep 02, 2025
BC RCMP notifies IIO of incident in Burnaby
The BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) of an incident in Burnaby which has resulted in one person being taken to hospital after an officer involved shooting.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, at approximately 2:51 p.m. Burnaby RCMP received a call regarding a domestic dispute at a residence in the 4300 block of Dundas Street. When the responding officer arrived, they located a suspect with an edged weapon.
An interaction occurred and shots were fired by police. The victim was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. They are in serious condition.
BCSep 02, 2025
One person arrested after assault in Cranberry area
In the early morning of September 2, 2025, Powell River RCMP responded to an assault in progress on Irvine St.
The male suspect fled on foot and a search involving Powell River RCMP, the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and Air Services was initiated. Mowat Bay access was temporarily restricted to the public and the area was contained.
The suspect was located in the area and he was arrested and taken into custody and will be held to appear in front of a Judge.
There is no risk to public safety. All public areas in Cranberry are now open.
BCSep 02, 2025
Creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming school environment remains a top priority, says Lisa Beare
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has issued the following statement about returning to learning:
“While I’m sure many students wish summer could be just a little longer, I am thrilled to welcome students and staff to the start of another school year. It is always so exciting on the first day as students and staff walk through the school doors and fill the hallways with excitement, laughter and anticipation – ready to take on the new learning journey in the year ahead.
“As minister of education and child care, I’m proud to support the people who make schools strong: e
BCSep 02, 2025
Thousands of lightning strikes during Labour Day long weekend
The BC Wildfire Service says there were thousands of lightning strikes during the Labour Day long weekend, meaning more fires are likely to be discovered in the coming days.
The agency said there are currently about 165 active wildfires in BC, with about 75 per cent believed to have been started by lightning.
The BC Wildfire Service said about 40 per cent of the fires are out of control, while 20 per cent are being controlled, while another 40 per cent have been contained.
The agency also warned that the potential for new wildfires remains high due to higher than normal temperatures and pr