The BC Conservative Party has elected former federal Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay as its new leader following a closely contested leadership race. According to results released by the party, Findlay secured 51 per cent of the vote, narrowly defeating Caroline Elliott, who received 49 per cent. Findlay brings extensive political experience to the role. She served as a cabinet minister in former prime minister Stephen Harper’s government and most recently held the position of Opposition Whip under federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The leadership change comes as the BC Conser

New Westminster police say an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of a youth led officers to seize multiple firearms and prohibited devices from a local residence. According to the New Westminster Police Department, the investigation began March 21 after a member of the public reported seeing an adult man behaving in what they believed was an inappropriate manner with a female youth in a public place. The witness provided police with a vehicle licence plate after the pair left the area. Officers later located the man and determined he had court-imposed conditions prohibiting him

Abbotsford Police say a woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon after officers conducting proactive patrols observed suspected drug activity in the 32400 block of South Fraser Way. According to an Abbotsford Police Department release, patrol officers arrested a 48-year-old Abbotsford woman shortly before 3 p.m. on May 27 in connection with the investigation. Police said a search following the arrest resulted in the seizure of more than 100 grams of packaged drugs, including fentanyl, along with a small amount of cash. Investigators have not announced any charges as of publication time, and the

The B.C. Conservatives are set to announce a new party leader on Saturday in Vancouver, concluding a six-month leadership race triggered by John Rustad’s resignation following internal disputes and caucus defections. The final candidates are former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, political commentator Caroline Elliott, former MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, MLA Peter Milobar and entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer. The next leader will take over as Premier David Eby’s NDP government faces declining poll numbers, a development political analysts say could reshape British Columbia’s political lands

Four people have been arrested in Vancouver following an investigation into an alleged casino cheating scheme that police say defrauded a local casino of more than $200,000. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia said the arrests were made May 5, one day after investigators were alerted to suspected cheating activity at a Vancouver casino. The investigation began after the Independent Gambling Control Office identified irregularities during casino play, according to a police statement. Police said two men and two women were arrested and later released pending charge a

Conservative MP David MacKenzie, who represents Calgary Signal Hill, has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons seeking to repeal the federal oil tanker ban along British Columbia’s northern coast. Bill C-264 is currently at second reading. The federal restriction, which came into force in 2019, prohibits oil tankers carrying large quantities of crude oil and certain petroleum products from loading or unloading along much of B.C.’s northern coastline. The legislation was introduced as part of federal marine and environmental protection measures. Speaking in the House

Surrey Police Service is investigating a daytime robbery at a jewelry store located in the Payal Business Centre in Surrey. Police say the suspect fled after stealing jewelry during the incident, which took place in the middle of the day. According to SPS media relations officer Staff Sgt. Ali Gales, officers were called to the area near 128 Street and 81 Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a robbery at the business. Police said the suspect allegedly stole several pieces of jewelry from the store before fleeing the scene. Reports indicate jewelry being worn by the

A long-term agreement has been signed to supply liquefied natural gas from the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG export terminal in northern British Columbia to Germany, according to an announcement made Wednesday by federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson in Vancouver. Hodgson said Germany-based energy company SEFE has agreed to purchase one million tonnes of LNG annually over a 20-year period. Supply from the project is expected to begin around 2030, pending construction and final investment approval. The Ksi Lisims LNG project is planned for British Columbia’s north coast near the Alaska border. While

RCMP say federal investigators have dismantled two suspected clandestine drug labs in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, leading to the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, MDMA, cash and firearms. According to RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region, officers arrested three people during the operation. Police said the individuals were later released pending further investigation and no charges have been announced so far. Investigators said a suspected fentanyl production site was uncovered on May 1 in the 41000 block of Keith Wilson Road in Chilliwack. RCMP said officers seized about 40 kilograms of