Skip to Main content

25.53°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Feb 9, 2023 6:16 PM - Connect News

'Canada may fast-track immigration applications from people in earthquake zone': Sean Fraser

Share On

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says Canada may fast-track applications to come to Canada from people in the earthquake zones of Turkey and Syria.

Two major earthquakes rocked southwestern Turkey and northwestern Syria in a matter of hours on Monday, destroying thousands of buildings.

The confirmed death toll keeps rising, with more than 19,000 people killed and at least another 64,000 injured.

Tens of thousands more are homeless in the middle of winter and struggling to access food, water and shelter.

Fraser says his department is trying to understand the effect on applicants already in Canada's immigration system to figure out what more can be done to help them.

On Wednesday, Canada deployed a disaster assessment team to the region to determine what additional aid from Canada is needed.

Latest news

fifa-world-cup-opener-in-vancouver-sets-public-transit-ridership-record

CanadaJun 15, 2026

FIFA World Cup opener in Vancouver sets public transit ridership record

The first FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Vancouver drove public transit use to record levels, with TransLink reporting the busiest stadium-event day on its network since the 2010 Winter Olympics. According to TransLink, more than 1.03 million boardings were recorded across the region on June 13, representing a 14 per cent increase compared with a typical Saturday in June. The agency also reported approximately 648,200 total trips, up 18 per cent from normal demand levels. Thousands of soccer fans travelled to BC Place and the FIFA Fan Festival to attend the match between Australia and Türkiye.

Motorcyclist Killed in Maple Ridge Collision; Investigation Ongoing

One person has died following a collision involving a motorcycle and a truck in Maple Ridge on Saturday night. The crash occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. at the intersection of Lougheed Highway and 287 Street. According to information provided by authorities, the collision caused significant damage to the motorcycle, while the truck's airbags deployed. Paramedics responded to the scene and provided emergency medical treatment to two people before transporting them to hospital in stable condition. Authorities later confirmed that one person died as a result of the crash. The collision prompt

CanadaJun 15, 2026

Canada reports second consecutive annual decline in opioid overdose deaths

Canada recorded a second straight year-over-year decline in opioid overdose deaths, according to the latest federal report on substance-related harms. Health Canada reported that 5,630 people died from opioid overdoses in 2025, down from previous years following an earlier decline recorded in 2024. Despite the reduction, officials said the crisis continues to pose a significant public health challenge across the country. According to the federal report, opioid-related deaths averaged about 15 per day last year. The report also found a 23 per cent decrease in the national death rate linked to o

CanadaJun 15, 2026

Metro Vancouver outside workers begin full strike after 17 months without contract

Approximately 700 Metro Vancouver outside workers have begun a full strike after working for the past 17 months without a collective agreement. According to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union, workers launched the job action after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Union president Jesse Medeiros said management has continued to ignore concerns raised by frontline employees who provide essential services across the region. The union said its key demands include improved worker safety measures, limits on contracting out work to private companies, and stro

b-c-premier-calls-for-stronger-ai-chatbot-reporting-requirements-in-federal-online-harms-bill

B.C. premier calls for stronger AI chatbot reporting requirements in federal online harms bill

British Columbia Premier David Eby says the federal government's proposed online harms legislation does not go far enough in addressing risks associated with artificial intelligence chatbots. Eby criticized the bill for not requiring technology companies to report dangerous or suspicious user activity to police. He said companies should be obligated to notify law enforcement if a user is believed to be using an AI chatbot to plan a violent crime. The premier pointed to the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, stating that the suspect's chatbot account had been flagged before the attack. According to E

Related News

FIFA World Cup opener in Vancouver sets public transit ridership record

FIFA World Cup opener in Vancouver sets public transit ridership record

The first FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Vancouver drove public transit use to record levels, with TransLink reporting the busiest stadium-event day on its network since the 2010 Winter Olympics. According to TransLink, more than 1.03 million boardings were recorded across the region on June 13, representing a 14 per cent increase compared with a typical Saturday in June. The agency also reported approximately 648,200 total trips, up 18 per cent from normal demand levels. Thousands of soccer fans travelled to BC Place and the FIFA Fan Festival to attend the match between Australia and Türkiye.

Canada reports second consecutive annual decline in opioid overdose deaths

Canada reports second consecutive annual decline in opioid overdose deaths

Canada recorded a second straight year-over-year decline in opioid overdose deaths, according to the latest federal report on substance-related harms. Health Canada reported that 5,630 people died from opioid overdoses in 2025, down from previous years following an earlier decline recorded in 2024. Despite the reduction, officials said the crisis continues to pose a significant public health challenge across the country. According to the federal report, opioid-related deaths averaged about 15 per day last year. The report also found a 23 per cent decrease in the national death rate linked to o

Metro Vancouver outside workers begin full strike after 17 months without contract

Metro Vancouver outside workers begin full strike after 17 months without contract

Approximately 700 Metro Vancouver outside workers have begun a full strike after working for the past 17 months without a collective agreement. According to the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees' Union, workers launched the job action after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Union president Jesse Medeiros said management has continued to ignore concerns raised by frontline employees who provide essential services across the region. The union said its key demands include improved worker safety measures, limits on contracting out work to private companies, and stro

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital