Surrey RCMP is cautioning the public after victims lose more than a million dollars to romance scams this year. Surrey RCMP received reports from 29 people who have been the victim of online romance scams between January and August 2021, with a total of $1,362,269.00 lost. During the same period, 213 victims lost $22,463,510.00 throughout the Lower Mainland.A romance scam involves any individual who uses false romantic intentions toward a victim in order to gain their trust and affection for the purpose of obtaining the victim’s money. Many romance scams begin via social media or online dati

Premier John Horgan and Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin are urging all British Columbians to wear their orange shirts today to proclaim that every child matters. It is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and orange shirt day in BC. Horgan says by wearing orange people acknowledge the truth of the residential school system, while honouring survivors, families and communities. The statement says while the truth of what happened at the schools is well-documented, people were horrified to learn of the findings of the remains of more than 200 children at the former Kaml

B.C. is reporting 813 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 186,245 cases in the province. There are 6,185 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 177,729 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 340 individuals are in hospital and 146 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.In the past 24 hours, 11 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 1,953.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: twoIsland Health: threeNorthern Health: oneVancouver Coastal Health: five There have been two new outbreaks at Royal Inland Ho

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released a statement regarding the BC Coroners Service’s report on illicit drug toxicity deaths for July 2021. "This year continues to be incredibly sad as the number of people dying by toxic drugs persists at a tragic rate. My thoughts are with everyone who is mourning the loss of someone they love."While we have been adding services and supports in an unprecedented way, B.C. is facing a rising tide of need."A lot of work is happening on the ground to make the large, systemic changes necessary to truly turn the tide on this cr

British Columbia's provincial health officer has announced regional restrictions in an area that has seen a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases among children as adult infections take off. Dr. Bonnie Henry's order covers the eastern Fraser Valley in Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Mission and Agassiz-Harrison. She says private gatherings will be limited to five additional people or one additional household and to 10 people outdoors, unless everyone is vaccinated. Organized events like weddings or conferences will be limited to 10 people, or 50 people outside, unless everyone is fully vaccinated, wh

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is again reminding Canadians that encouraging people to get vaccinated and protecting those who have gotten their shots is the key way through this pandemic and out of it. He says his government will move ahead with the five vaccine-related priorities that he committed to during the election campaign, like a vaccine mandate for federal workers and requiring travellers to be fully vaccinated before getting on a plane or train. He’s also ready to move on his promise to health-care workers.Rounding out his top five priorities include finalizing a vaccine passport f

Over a three-day period, B.C. is reporting 2,239 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 184,780 cases in the province. Sept. 24-25: 876 new casesSept. 25-26: 657 new casesSept. 26-27: 706 new cases There are 6,098 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 176,354 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 303 individuals are in hospital and 141 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation. In the past 72 hours, 18 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 1,940.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: threeInterior Health

Starting today, the only acceptable proof of vaccination in British Columbia to dine at restaurants and attend indoor recreational events is the B.C. Vaccine Card. The government says the transition period allowing people to present their vaccine records from their immunization appointments expired Sunday. The vaccine card, under orders from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, is required at most restaurants and indoor events to help ensure businesses can stay open and people can feel safe in these settings. Health Minister Adrian Dix says more than three million people in B.C. have a

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are on their way back to Canada after being detained in China for nearly three years. Trudeau told a news conference tonight on Parliament Hill that Kovrig and Spavor, who have become known in Canada and around the world as the ``two Michaels,'' were on a plane that left China, accompanied by Canadian ambassador Dominic Barton. The news comes hours after Meng Wanzhou walked freely out of a British Columbia Supreme Court, when a judge agreed to a discharge order that withdrew a U.S. extradition request again