5 more COVID-19 related deaths in BC, total number rises to 48

More than 106,000 Albertans applied for the province's new $100 affordability payment within just over 24 hours of the application portal opening, according to the Alberta government. The one-time payment is intended to help residents manage the rising cost of living. The province says approximately 3.4 million adult Albertans are eligible to apply for the benefit. According to the provincial government, approved applicants can expect to receive their payment within two weeks of submitting an application.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government intends to work with First Nations on a proposed oil pipeline to British Columbia's coast, despite an ongoing legal and political dispute over the province's consultation obligations with Indigenous communities. On Thursday, Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a formal plan to pursue a new pipeline that would follow an existing corridor to the B.C. coast with the goal of increasing oil exports to Asian markets. The announcement comes as Alberta's government remains in a court dispute with several First Nations over whether it fulfil

A North Vancouver volleyball coach has been charged with 10 criminal offences following an RCMP investigation into multiple reports of alleged sexual assaults involving youth athletes. According to the North Vancouver RCMP, police received multiple complaints on Dec. 22, 2024, alleging that youths had been sexually assaulted by a coach associated with a local volleyball team. Investigators interviewed multiple witnesses and complainants before submitting a report to the BC Prosecution Service for charge assessment. The BC Prosecution Service approved charges on July 2, 2026. Iraj Mozaffari, of

A Burnaby RCMP Gang Enforcement Team investigation has resulted in the seizure of thousands of kilograms of suspected drug precursor chemicals and finished products, along with firearms, cash, contraband cigarettes and vehicles following coordinated searches at five properties in Richmond. According to a Burnaby RCMP news release, the investigation began after a traffic stop on July 30, 2025, during which officers seized about four kilograms of precursor chemicals commonly used in the production of fentanyl. Police said the investigation continued over several months, identifying three additio

Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby announced Thursday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which the federal government has committed to maintaining the oil tanker ban on British Columbia's North Coast. According to the announcement, the agreement also provides that British Columbia would receive full compensation if any future oil pipeline crosses the province. The MOU does not require the province to support future oil pipeline projects as a condition of the agreement. Carney said the agreement could help attract up to $150 billion in