The leaders of the B-C Liberal and Green parties say the government's throne speech was more of the same and lacked vision. The throne speech yesterday highlighted a commitment to make health and safety through the COVID-19 pandemic the government's top priority. Kevin Falcon, the B-C Liberals' new leader, says the speech repeated previous N-D-P promises and was more of a look back than a look-ahead document. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau says it acknowledged the sacrifices of British Columbians but rather than offering a vision for the future the government patted itself on the back for pas

Britain's top diplomat has arrived in Moscow to try to defuse tensions raised by Russia's military buildup near Ukraine. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warns that an invasion would mean ``massive consequences for all involved.'' Truss said Britain was strongly encouraging Russia to ``engage, de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy,'' Russia has massed over 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border and has launched military maneuvers in the region, but says it has no plans to invade its neighbor. It wants guarantees from the West that NATO not allow Ukraine and other former Soviet nations as membe

Liberal MP Joel Lightbound says he has resigned as the party's Quebec caucus chairman. Lightbound announced the move on Twitter this afternoon after he criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says he will be happy to support his successor in the continuation of the work of the caucus. Quebec Liberal MP Joel Lightbound says it's time his government stops dividing Canadians on the COVID-19 pandemic. Lightbound broke publicly with his political party today, telling reporters the government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues

Interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen is calling for the Liberal government to end all COVID-19-related restrictions and vaccine mandates, the same demand made by protesting truckers. During question period in the House of Commons today, Bergen said the measures have caused division among Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by saying that all Canadians are frustrated by the pandemic, but the government will continue to protect public health.

B.C. is reporting 1,117 new cases of COVID-19, including five new epi-linked cases, for a total of 335,042 cases in the province.There are 24,372 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 306,888 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 986 COVID-positive individuals are in hospital and 146 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation. The new/active cases include:189 new cases in Fraser HealthTotal active cases: 9,711180 new cases in Vancouver Coastal HealthTotal active cases: 4,355376 new cases in Interior HealthTotal active

Today's BC Throne speech says the NDP government's top priority in the months ahead is helping to keep people safe through the rest of the pandemic. The speech outlining the government's agenda for the new session of the legislature also promises it will introduce a long-term economic plan aiming to deliver a ``fairer, greener economy.'' Specific commitments to make life more affordable include introducing a cooling-off period on home purchases and tying the minimum wage to the rate of inflation. The government says it will also move forward with reconciliation by working to implement a plan

Advisory issued by High Commission of India: The Canadian capital city of Ottawa and several other major cities including Toronto are currently witnessing protests with road blockages, demonstrations, large gatherings, and general strikes. This has led to disruptions to traffic, public transportation, and shortages of essential items, including food and water.Owing to the prevailing situation, a state of emergency has been declared for the City of Ottawa. The impact on traffic and services is likely to continue and local authorities in other major cities of Canada may also impose curfews or ot

A former women's soccer coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Canada Soccer has pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual touching. Charges against Bob Birarda were laid just over a year ago related to offences between 1988 and 2008, and he entered the guilty pleas today in provincial court in North Vancouver. Women who played for the Whitecaps or those who were being considered for Canada's under-20 squad alleged inappropriate actions by Birarda, who coached both squads before his 2008 dismissal. He originally faced six counts of sexual exploitation, two count

Staff at the federal medium security Matsqui Institution are reporting a significant seizure of drugs and other contraband. A statement from the prison says the package was found in late December containing crystal meth, fentanyl, crack cocaine, shatter - a highly addictive marijuana concentrate, pot, one phone charger and accessories. The Correctional Service of Canada says the estimated institutional value of the drugs and other items is nearly 71,000 dollars. Police are investigating how the package was delivered to the institution, who brought it and who was supposed to receive it.