Alberta’s auditor general says the province’s attempt to shift community lab testing to a private operator resulted in significant financial losses and gaps in government oversight. A new report from Auditor General Doug Wylie estimates taxpayers absorbed roughly $109 million after the privatization effort collapsed. Wylie’s review found that senior officials in government advanced the plan despite internal warnings that the projected savings were unlikely. He says weaknesses in record keeping, financial analysis and contract oversight contributed to the breakdown of the agreement with D

Emergency crews in Brampton are investigating a deadly house fire that claimed the lives of two adults and left four others, including a child, in critical condition early Thursday. Peel Regional Police say the blaze erupted around 2:30 a.m. at a home on Banas Way, in a residential area near McLaughlin Road and Remembrance Road. Firefighters arrived to find the home heavily engulfed in flames. Two adults were pronounced dead at the scene. Police say three other adults and one child were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released the ages of the victim

A man who carried out a violent home invasion in Port Moody last year as part of an attempt to steal cryptocurrency has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Court records show Tsz Wing Boaz Chan entered a guilty plea to break and enter, sexual assault and forcible confinement in connection with the April 27, 2024 incident. Port Moody Police say Chan was taken into custody last summer when he returned to Canada through Vancouver International Airport. Investigators allege the motive behind the robbery was the theft of digital currency, though police have not released information about the v

Police in Prince George evacuated several homes Wednesday after officers uncovered an explosive device while carrying out a drug related search warrant at a residence on Eighth Avenue. The discovery halted the ongoing search and prompted a call for a bomb disposal team from the Lower Mainland, which was expected to arrive later in the day. RCMP said officers who initially entered the home withdrew for safety reasons but have remained on site to secure the area. The incident has caused temporary displacement for nearby residents as police work to stabilize the scene. Authorities have not releas

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Haida Gwaii as a powerful frontal system moves across British Columbia’s north coast. Forecasters say the system is expected to generate gusts reaching 110 kilometres an hour, with conditions easing later in the day. The agency is advising residents to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible service disruptions, including impacts to power, ferry travel and local transportation. High winds frequently affect coastal communities at this time of year, and emergency officials in B.C. typically encourage households to keep basic supplies ready