British Columbia's labour minister says he has contacted the head of the province's workplace safety agency after six workers died on the job in the past four weeks. Harry Bains says he's reached out to the chair of WorkSafeBC to make sure appropriate prevention and enforcement of health and safety rules are taking place. Bains says there has been a steep learning curve to adjust to COVID-19 safety regulations, but the deaths are a reminder that the pandemic isn't the only hazard workers face. Two men were killed when a boom broke on a construction site on Gabriola Island, two forestry worker

Authorities say two trains crashed in southern Egypt, killing at least 32 people and injuring 165 in the latest of a series of deadly crashes on the country's troubled railways. The railway authorities say someone apparently activated the emergency brakes on the passenger train, and it was rear-ended by another train, causing two cars to derail and flip on their side in the province of Sohag. The prime minister later said no conclusion has been reached on the cause. Video showed twisted piles of metal with passengers trapped inside, some bleeding and others unconscious. The injured were taken

A new school opens in Surrey next week, the third new school this school year in B.C.’s fastest-growing community, providing much needed classrooms for more than 600 students. "This is excellent news for Surrey students and families that another new school is opening this year, reducing the number of portables needed in the district and providing another dynamic, 21st-century learning environment in the community," said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. "After years of underinvestment by the previous government, Surrey families are starting to see concrete results of our work to giv

Advocates say undocumented workers in BC fear that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 could mean getting arrested if someone reports that they lack proper identification. The BC Health Ministry says undocumented and migrant workers don't need to present medical cards before being immunized, but it didn't say whether non-government identification could be used. The ministry says information provided for immunization will not be shared with other organizations, and more details on documents that will be asked for when provincewide online booking starts April 6th. Byron Cruz, a spokesman for Sa

New federal modelling data shows severity indicators and daily cases of COVID-19 are back on the rise, with incidents highest among young adults.Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says daily cases have increased more than 30 per cent over the past two weeks, with an average of 29 deaths reported daily.Tam says that indicates we're in a ``very tight race'' between vaccines and variants of concern, which make up an increasingly high proportion of new cases in several provinces.The data released today by the Public Health Agency of Canada shows that while the number of cases have declin

All political parties in Andhra Pradesh, except Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Jana Sena Party (JSP), are observing Bharat Bandh called by several farmers' bodies against the farm laws.While left parties are leading the Bandh, Andhra Pradesh ruling YSR Congress Party has also announced its support to the strike.The state government has already announced that RTC buses will not operate today till 1 PM.Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has also supported the Bandh call."The Bandh in Andhra Pradesh is a grand success. The anti-BJP mood is developing across the country. Many different sections o

'Sanyukt Kisan Morcha' called for 12-hour 'Bharat Bandh' on March 26 against Centre's three new Farm Laws. Protesters blocked the Ghazipur border and Singhu border today. They were seen sitting on the road and chanting anti-farm law slogans.

The B.C. government is more than doubling the fines for those promoting and attending events against COVID-19 health rules in an effort to crack down on "selfish behaviour." The fine has increased to $575 from $230, although the penalty for those caught hosting such an event remains at $2,300. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says it's become clear in the last few months that the risk of paying the ticket isn't enough of a deterrence. The $230 fine will continue to apply to a range of other COVID-19 violations, such as not wearing a mask. The ministry says in a news release that the incre

Elders in British Columbia care homes will soon be able to socialize and receive visits from loved ones after being locked down by COVID-19 for more than a year. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the benefits of lifting some of the restrictions outweigh the risks to the elderly, who have had little interaction with family or friends since the pandemic began. Starting April 1st, residents in long-term care and assisted-living facilities will be able to have frequent and routine visits. The rule changes include allowing two visitors, plus a child, at one time -- and they're allowe