COVID-19: 29 new cases, 3 more deaths in B.C.

Canada’s Minister of Canada–U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington today as both countries prepare for a mandatory review of the continental trade agreement known as Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. LeBlanc’s office said the meeting will focus on the upcoming review of the pact, commonly called CUSMA, as well as other bilateral trade issues between Canada and the United States. The agreement, which also includes Mexico, requires a joint review by member countries to determine whether the deal will continue or

The British Columbia legislature has passed Bill 5, the Trade Recognition Act, with support from all parties, a move the provincial government says will reduce interprovincial trade barriers and expand market access for businesses. The legislation allows goods and services that are legally sold in another Canadian province or territory to be sold in British Columbia without requiring duplicate provincial certification, according to the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. Jobs and Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon said the measure builds on previous efforts to streamline i

An Australian coroner says a 19-year-old woman from British Columbia drowned after being attacked by a pack of dingoes during an early morning walk on an island off Queensland. Piper James was on a backpacking trip and had been working on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, when she died on Jan. 19. According to the Coroners Court of Queensland, a forensic pathologist with Queensland Health determined James drowned after sustaining multiple injuries during the attack. A spokesperson for the coroner said the injuries occurred “due to or as a consequence of” the dingo attack. Authoritie

The Government of Canada has issued an updated travel advisory for Canadians travelling to Pakistan, warning that the security situation in parts of the country remains fragile. According to the advisory published by Global Affairs Canada, rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing military clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border have increased safety concerns for travellers. Canadian officials say risks in Pakistan include terrorism, kidnapping and sectarian violence, and travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution. The advisory recommends that Canadians avoid all

Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper is in India this week and took part in the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, where he met with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The annual conference brings together political leaders, security officials and policy experts from around the world to discuss global security, geopolitics and economic cooperation. Scott Moe, the premier of Saskatchewan, is also attending the event. Speaking to reporters during the conference, Moe said he was encouraged by meetings held earlier this week between Canadian and Indian representative