20.49°C Vancouver

News

job-action-threatened-as-unionized-staff-at-b-c-lifelabs-outlets-issue-strike-notice
BCOct 20, 2021

Job action threatened as unionized staff at B.C. LifeLabs outlets issue strike notice

The union representing some workers at LifeLabs, the largest provider of medical laboratory services in British Columbia, has issued strike notice on behalf of its members. The B.C. General Employees' Union says notice was issued Tuesday, putting its roughly 1,500 members in a legal strike position by Friday night. A statement from the union says the action comes after a 98 per cent strike mandate in July, followed by several months of negotiations, bargaining and mediation. Workers have been without a contract since April and the union says wages are the main issue, although LifeLabs says on
motorcyclis-killed-in-a-crash-in-richmond
BCOct 20, 2021

Motorcyclis killed in a crash in Richmond

A motorcyclist has been killed in a crash in Richmond. It happened late yesterday afternoon on the Westminster Highway just west of the Alex Fraser Bridge. RCMP say a truck and the motorcycle collided but a cause of the crash is still under investigation. Police want to speak to witnesses or anyone with dashcam video.
tories-disagree-with-boards-decision-to-require-vaccination-in-house-of-commons
CanadaOct 20, 2021

Tories disagree with board's decision to require vaccination in House of Commons

Conservatives say they disagree with a committee of federal representatives deciding who is allowed to enter the House of Commons based on their vaccination status against COVID-19. The position presents the first challenge to the all-party board of internal economy ruling only people who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter the House of Commons precinct. The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois agree members of Parliament should be fully vaccinated to take their seat, and made it a rule for their candidates who ran in the recent federal election. Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole did not
health-authority-takes-over-vancouver-care-home-site-of-deadly-covid-19-outbreak
BCOct 20, 2021

Health authority takes over Vancouver care home, site of deadly COVID-19 outbreak

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority is taking over operations of a Vancouver care home where dozens of residents died during a COVID-19 outbreak that began last November and took months to contain. A statement from the health authority says the Ministry of Health has approved the transfer of operations and assets from Little Mountain Residential Care and Housing Society. The transfer includes Little Mountain Place, a 116-bed long-term care home for seniors, where 41 deaths and many more COVID-19 illnesses were reported last winter. The statement says the transition, which also includes a 9
annual-inflation-rate-hits-4-4-per-cent
CanadaOct 20, 2021

Annual inflation rate hits 4.4 per cent

Inflation hit an 18-year high in September, rising to 4.4 per cent.On top of a 32.8 per cent year-over-year jump in gas prices, it's costing a lot more to put food on the table.Food prices rose 3.9 per cent last month, with meat prices rising 9.5 per cent -- the fastest pace since April 2015.Statistics Canada reports dairy products cost 5.1 per cent more, while prices for edible fats and oils rose 18.5 per cent, which was the largest year-over-year increase since January 2009.The cost of fresh vegetables fell 3.2 per cent, largely due to a 26.1 per cent drop in tomato prices.
b-c-reports-560-new-covid-19-cases-and-5-deaths
BCOct 20, 2021

B.C. reports 560 new COVID-19 cases and 5 deaths

B.C. is reporting 560 new cases of COVID-19, including eight epi-linked cases, for a total of 198,838 cases in the province.There are 4,913 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 191,476 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 382 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, five new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,086.The new deaths include:Fraser Health: twoNorthern Health: twoIsland Health: oneThere has been one new health-care facility outbr
major-crime-unit-investigating-shooting-in-queensborough-area-of-new-westminster
BCOct 20, 2021

Major Crime Unit investigating shooting in Queensborough area of New Westminster

On October 18th at approximately 11:45 pm the New Westminster Police Department received multiple calls about shots fired in the area of Hendry Place in Queensborough. Members responded to the scene and confirmed that shots had been fired at a residence. The occupants of the home were sleeping at the time of the shooting, and fortunately, no one was injured.The New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit assumed conduct of this investigation, with support from the Forensic Identification Section and other units. Officers continue to work in the Queensborough area, collecting evidence, C
indoor-outdoor-covid-capacity-limits-to-be-lifted-oct-25-in-b-c
BCOct 19, 2021

Indoor, outdoor COVID capacity limits to be lifted Oct. 25 in B.C.

British Columbia's top doctor says COVID-19 capacity limits for indoor and outdoor organized events will be lifted on Oct. 25, the day after the deadline for residents to be fully vaccinated if they want to attend certain venues. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says sporting events, indoor concerts, movie theatres, symphonies and other venues can go to 100 per cent capacity when proof of vaccination status is checked. The same is being allowed for weddings, funeral receptions and parties. Henry says orders aimed at restricting the movement of people at restaurants will also be li
no-major-injuries-after-plane-runs-off-texas-runway-burns
WorldOct 19, 2021

No major injuries after plane runs off Texas runway, burns

Authorities say no one was seriously hurt when an airplane ran off a runway and burned near Houston. The Federal Aviation Administration says the McDonnell Douglas MD-87 was carrying 21 people when it rolled through a fence and caught fire while trying to take off from the Houston Executive Airport in Brookshire on Tuesday morning. The FAA says everyone made it off the plane safely. The only reported injury was a passenger with back pain. It wasn't immediately known who was on board the plane or where it was headed.

Just In

canada-seeks-clarity-after-u-s-proposes-annual-cusma-reviews
CanadaJul 06, 2026

Canada seeks clarity after U.S. proposes annual CUSMA reviews

Canada's Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, says the Trump administration's proposal to review the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) every year instead of extending it in its current form until 2042 has created significant uncertainty for Ottawa. According to LeBlanc, both Canada and Mexico had sought to maintain the trade agreement for another 16 years to provide long-term certainty for businesses and investors. However, Washington has indicated it is considering substantial changes to the agreement. LeBlanc said he and Mexico's Economy Secretary Ma
WorldJul 06, 2026

Deadly prison clashes in Sri Lanka leave at least 20 dead, more than 100 injured

At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted at a prison in Negombo, north of Sri Lanka's capital, according to local media reports and police. The unrest began Sunday at the prison in Negombo, about 35 kilometres north of Colombo, and continued into Monday. Authorities have not released details on what triggered the violence. According to local television station Hiru, those killed include both inmates and prison officials. The broadcaster also reported that more than 100 people were injured in the incident. Police spokesperson Chandana Herath
smith-to-host-premiers-stampede-breakfast-following-mixed-reception-at-calgary-parade
AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Smith to host Premier's Stampede Breakfast following mixed reception at Calgary parade

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to host the annual Premier's Stampede Breakfast in Calgary today, continuing a longstanding Stampede tradition that draws thousands of attendees. The event, held at the McDougall Centre, typically features members of the provincial cabinet and United Conservative caucus. According to the Premier's Office, approximately 4,000 people attended last year's breakfast, making it the largest turnout for the event in more than a decade. Smith's appearance comes after she received a mixed public reception during the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, where sp
out-of-control-wildfire-near-boston-bar-prompts-evacuation-alert
BCJul 06, 2026

Out-of-control wildfire near Boston Bar prompts evacuation alert

An out-of-control wildfire burning near the community of Boston Bar in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon has grown to more than 12 square kilometres, or approximately 1,230 hectares, as of Sunday evening, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Authorities have issued an Evacuation Alert for the main part of Boston Bar, meaning residents should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice if conditions worsen. The BC Wildfire Service said the fire was first discovered on July 2. Officials believe it was likely caused by human activity, although the cause has not been confirmed and remains und
channi-skips-baghel-meeting-as-divisions-surface-within-punjab-congress
IndiaJul 06, 2026

Channi skips Baghel meeting as divisions surface within Punjab Congress

Former Punjab chief minister and Member of Parliament Charanjit Singh Channi skipped a meeting convened by Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, as internal differences within the state unit continued to surface following the party's recent organisational restructuring. According to party sources, Channi met with his supporters, including Members of Parliament, MLAs and former legislators, before leaving for New Delhi, where he is expected to meet with the Congress high command. Sources said Channi currently has the backing of MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, six MLAs and newly appointed work