The federal government says it has signed a contract with European aviation company Airbus to replace its aging Polaris fleet at a cost of $3.6 billion.The Royal Canadian Air Force uses the Polaris planes for transporting high-ranking government officials, including the prime minister and Governor General, as well as for air-to-air refuelling and transport.The new fleet, which will be named the CC-330 Husky, includes four new and five used aircraft that are being outfitted to feature the same capabilities.The government bought the used planes from a company in Kuwait, and two of them are expec

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth has announced new programs and policing standards to support sexual assault survivors.A statement from the ministry says stable funding for programs, plus new policing standards for responding to sexual assaults, will support survivors while ensuring more effective investigations.Farnworth says the annual funding is immediately available for 68 new sexual assault programs across the province.The new police standards due to start next year will include police and victim-services working together to consider a person's unique needs when

An Edmonton man arrested in a terrorism investigation in the United Kingdom appeared in a London court today.Khaled Hussein, who is 28, was charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly being a member of a proscribed organization in the U.K.He was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport last week.Hussein is charged alongside a 56-year-old British preacher, Anjem Choudary, who was allegedly directing a terrorist organization and addressing meetings to encourage support for a radical group since June 2022.Prosecutors say the Edmontonian worked online with Choudary to provide a platform for the vie

Mental Health Minister Carolyn Bennett says the government is putting $156 million over three years toward a new three-digit suicide-prevention hotline.Starting on Nov. 30, people in crisis will be able to dial 988 anywhere in Canada to be connected with trained responders 24 hours a day by phone or text message.The free service will be offered in English and French.The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will receive the money to launch and operate the hotline.The minister is also giving the organization $21 million to bolster the capacity of distress centres as they prepare for the increa

WorkSafe B.C. says heat warnings issued by Environment Canada should be a wake-up call to employers to protect employees working indoors and outside. WorkSafe say employers need to take steps to protect employees, especially farm workers, construction workers and those in restaurant kitchens. It says the number of claims related to heat stress has been increasing in recent years. Environment Canada says temperatures in the B.C. interior today and tomorrow will reach the mid 30s and is warning people of the dangers of heat-related illnesses.

The RCMP says it has charged one of its former members in a case of alleged foreign interference.William Majcher is accused of helping the Chinese government identify and intimidate a person.Police say he is from Hong Kong and used his network of Canadian contacts to get intelligence or services that benefited the People's Republic of China.They say a national security investigation into Majcher's suspicious activities began in the fall of 2021.The 60-year-old retired officer is charged with conspiracy and preparatory acts for the benefit of a foreign entity.Police have not said who was the ta

With increased BC Family Benefit, more than 285,000 families throughout B.C. will see bigger payments in their bank accounts starting this month."Global inflation and higher interest rates continue to be hard on many families right now," said Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care. "The BC Family Benefit is one way we're helping families provide the food, clothes and opportunities their kids need to have the best start possible."The BC Family Benefit is a regular monthly payment from the provincial government. Eligibility is based on income and number of children.The benefit reaches fami

The University of British Columbia has named neuropsychologist and Carleton University leader Benoit-Antoine Bacon as its new president and vice-chancellor.The university says Bacon will take over from interim president Deborah Buszard, who has served in the role since the October 2022 exit of Santa Ono.Nancy McKenzie, chair of UBC's board of governors, says Bacon has strong leadership qualities and brings a wealth of experience to the role with a track record as a researcher, teacher, and senior administrator at major Canadian research universities.Bacon has served as president and vice-chanc

The provincial government has ordered the City of Surrey to proceed with the Surrey Police Service and recall its plan to retain the services of the RCMP as the city’s police of jurisdiction.During a press conference in Victoria on Wednesday, Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth confirmed the same in accordance in accordance with Section 2 of the Police Act.He said that this is the final decision and he fully expects the elected government in Surrey to follow the law.Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke could not be immediately reached for comment.