Political activity in British Columbia has intensified after Agriculture Minister Lana Popham announced that she will not seek re-election for the B.C. NDP in Saanich South. Popham’s decision comes amid growing speculation about the possibility of an early provincial election. Political observers say her announcement could add to the speculation, although it does not by itself confirm that an early election will be called. The announcement also comes as the opposition B.C. Conservative Party faces internal turmoil, while the B.C. NDP has been making preparations for a potential election camp

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad says he has been invited to rejoin the party’s caucus, just days after he was expelled by former leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Speaking at a press conference in Victoria on Monday, Rustad said interim party leader Lorne Doerkson personally contacted him by text message and invited him to return to the caucus. Rustad said he is considering the offer, but added that he believes his time in politics may have passed. Rustad also commented on speculation surrounding former premiers Christy Clark and Gordon Campbell, saying that former leaders should now s

Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu has confirmed progress in trade discussions with India following his two-day visit to the country. Sidhu has now travelled to the Philippines to attend a meeting of economic ministers from Southeast Asian countries. He said Canada will work to advance free trade agreement negotiations with both ASEAN and the Philippines. According to figures shared by Sidhu, Canada’s trade with Asian countries increased by 23.4 per cent last year, reaching $52.3 billion. If a new agreement is finalized, it is expected to create 14,000 well-paying jobs in

An 80-year-old woman riding a bicycle was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Chilliwack on Saturday evening. According to Chilliwack RCMP, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Woodbine Street, where a vehicle struck the cyclist before fleeing the scene. First responders found the woman in critical condition, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police later identified and seized the suspect vehicle, described as a dark red Chevrolet Silverado crew cab truck. The driver was arrested but has since been released pending further investigation. RCMP s

Six people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Vancouver’s Granville Street Bridge Sunday evening. Police said the collision happened at around 5 p.m. and involved a tow truck, a TransLink bus and two cars. Dashcam footage shared on social media appears to show a flatbed truck crossing the median and travelling in the wrong direction before the crash. Of the six people taken to hospital, one suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the other five sustained minor injuries. The Granville Street Bridge reopened to traffic at around 10:30 p.m. Police continue to investigate

BC Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay Resigns Amid Internal Party Turmoil BC Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has resigned from her position amid growing internal divisions and opposition within the party, less than four months after taking over as leader. In a statement posted on social media, Findlay acknowledged that the party’s energy was being spent on internal disputes instead of challenging the governing NDP. She said she made the decision in the interest of the province. Following her resignation, the party’s board of directors appointed MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim le

B.C. Conservatives have suffered another setback as Skeena MLA Claire Rattée has left the party and joined the group of independent MLAs. Rattée is the 10th MLA to leave the B.C. Conservative caucus since August. Her move comes just two days after she publicly questioned the leadership of party leader Keri-Lynn Findlay and accused her of failing to keep the party united. Rattée also confirmed reports that at least 10 Conservative MLAs unhappy with Findlay’s leadership had signed a letter calling for her resignation. She said she was among those who signed the letter. Rattée accused Findl

Kelowna RCMP has confirmed the death of a motorcycle rider following a crash on Highway 97 Thursday night. Police said the collision occurred at around 10 p.m. at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Ethel Street, involving a black sedan and a motorcycle. The motorcycle caught fire shortly after the crash. Corporal Steven Lang said the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead when emergency crews and police arrived at the scene. The driver of the sedan remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. Highway 97 was closed in both directions between Richter Street and Gordon Driv

Advance voting has begun today for the Abbotsford-Mission provincial byelection. According to Elections BC, eligible voters can cast their ballots at any designated voting location from September 18 to September 23, daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The final voting day for the byelection is September 26. The candidates include BC Conservative Party Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, BC NDP candidate Pam Alexis, Centre BC candidate Lakhwinder Kaur Jhajj, and Green Party candidate Stephen Fowler. The Abbotsford-Mission riding was previously won by Reann Gasper, who vacated the seat to allow Findlay to r